Identity and Generativity - Continuum of Life - Videos

If I summarize Erik Erikson's stages of development for a person, it would mean one's "Integrity" is one's ability to balance between one's "Identity" and one's "Generativity". The stages are detailed elsewhere in this blog and summarized below.

The two videos below are shown here to indicate how we share this from nature itself.

Tiger and Bear Cub - Protecting oneself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNacc2MKdVc


Leopard and the little Monkey - Mother Instinct in Nature:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqklTPCRLGI

ERIKSON'S DEVELOPMENT STAGES

 

Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson describes the physical, emotional and psychological stages of development and relates specific issues, or developmental work or tasks, to each stage. For example, if an infant's physical and emotional needs are met sufficiently, the infant completes his/her task -- developing the ability to trust others. However, a person who is stymied in an attempt at task mastery may go on to the next state but carries with him or her the remnants of the unfinished task. For instance, if a toddler is not allowed to learn by doing, the toddler develops a sense of doubt in his or her abilities, which may complicate later attempts at independence. Similarly, a preschooler who is made to feel that the activities he or she initiates are bad may develop a sense of guilt that inhibits the person later in life. Infant Trust vs Mistrust Needs maximum comfort with minimal uncertainty to trust himself/herself, others, and the environment Toddler Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt Works to master physical environment while maintaining self-esteem Preschooler Initiative vs Guilt Begins to initiate, not imitate, activities; develops conscience and sexual identity School-Age Child Industry vs Inferiority Tries to develop a sense of self-worth by refining skills Adolescent Identity vs Role Confusion Tries integrating many roles (child, sibling, student, athlete, worker) into a self-image under role model and peer pressure Young Adult Intimacy vs Isolation Learns to make personal commitment to another as spouse, parent or partner Middle-Age Adult Generativity vs Stagnation Seeks satisfaction through productivity in career, family, and civic interests Older Adult Integrity vs Despair Reviews life accomplishments, deals with loss and preparation for death