Interview On Personality Development ✓ Solved

Interview On Personality Development

INTERVIEW ON PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT Review the theories of Elkind, Erikson, Kohlberg, Marcia, and Piaget in Chapters 16 and 17 of the text. Pick one of the theories reviewed in Chapters 16 and 17 of the text. Write a paper of 850-1,000 words, discussing the selected theory and how it relates to your interview. Include the following in your paper: A description of the selected theory, a description of your interviewee (gender, age, ethnicity, etc.), and how the interviewee’s responses illustrate the selected theory. Support your response with examples. Include three scholarly references, in addition to the text, in your paper. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide. An abstract is required.

Paper For Above Instructions

Abstract

This paper delves into the rich tapestry of human personality development, using the lens of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory as the theoretical framework for the analysis of an interview conducted with Kevin Hakim, a 26-year-old male computer engineer. Through Kevin’s narrative, reflecting on his childhood experiences and relationships, we explore how his life choices and experiences articulate with Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, particularly focusing on the stages of Identity vs. Role Confusion, and Intimacy vs. Isolation. The analysis underscores the profound impact of familial relationships and peer influences on one’s identity formation and emotional health.

Theoretical Framework: Erikson’s Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson, a prominent developmental psychologist, proposed a theory encompassing eight stages of psychosocial development, each characterized by a specific conflict that individuals must resolve to develop a healthy personality. In Erikson’s view, the outcome of each stage can influence a person’s behavior and attitudes in subsequent stages. The stages range from trust versus mistrust in infancy to integrity versus despair in old age. Key among these stages for adults are Identity vs. Role Confusion and Intimacy vs. Isolation, prevalent during adolescence and young adulthood.

Interviewee Description

The interviewee for this analysis is Kevin Hakim, a 26-year-old male of Middle Eastern descent, who was raised in Paterson, New Jersey. Kevin is the second child in a family of four siblings, which consists of one brother and two sisters. He completed his education at Eastside High School and subsequently attended Columbia University, majoring in Computer Science. Kevin is currently employed as a cloud engineer at Salesforce and has been married for two years to Leila, his college sweetheart. His background and experiences provide insight into the developmental stages he navigated during his formative years.

Application of Erikson’s Theory to Interviewee Responses

Kevin’s narrative illustrates Erikson’s Identity vs. Role Confusion stage, marking a crucial period where young individuals grapple with their sense of self and personal identity. Kevin described his most memorable moment growing up as the time he excelled in a school project, which boosted his confidence and helped him solidify his identity as a capable individual. His peers’ recognition of his efforts served as an affirmation of his skills and potential.

The relationships Kevin nurtured with his siblings also reflect Erikson’s insights on identity formation. He noted that although he had disagreements with his siblings during childhood, these experiences ultimately strengthened their bond, helping him define his role within the family. Conflicts with peers, as discussed in his responses, were pivotal in shaping his interpersonal skills and resilience, echoing Erikson’s assertion that social interactions significantly impact identity development.

Peer Influence and Role Models

Kevin’s reflections on the role models he admired during his schooling illustrate Erikson’s concept of social role exploration. He indicated that various figures, such as his teachers and accomplished relatives, inspired him not only academically but also morally. This embrace of role models provided Kevin with a framework to navigate his adolescent challenges, balancing peer pressure while maintaining his ethical standards. His admission of experiencing peer pressure reveals the complexities of adolescent social dynamics, which Erikson captured as integral to forming a stable identity.

As Kevin transitioned into adulthood, the relevance of Erikson’s Intimacy vs. Isolation stage became evident. His marriage to Leila is a testament to his ability to form meaningful, intimate relationships, enriched by the emotional support he received from his family and friends during his youth. Kevin believes that the friendships and attachments formed during school have significantly influenced his relationship choices, providing him with a blueprint for intimacy rooted in trust and mutual respect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of Kevin Hakim’s life through the lens of Erikson’s psychosocial development theory illuminates the intricate interplay of identity formation and interpersonal relationships. Kevin’s journey underscores the essence of navigating both personal and social dimensions of life, contributing to his development as a confident and socially adept individual. The applicability of Erikson’s stages not only enriches our understanding of Kevin’s experiences but also reflects the universality of these developmental challenges faced by many young adults today.

References

• Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Elkind, D. (1981). The Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon. Da Capo Press.
• Kohlberg, L. (1981). The Philosophy of Moral Development: Moral Stages and the Idea of Justice. Harper & Row.
• Marcia, J. E. (1980). Identity in Adolescence. In J. Adelson (Ed.), Handbook of Adolescent Psychology (pp. 159-187). Wiley.
• Piaget, J. (1972). The Psychology of Intelligence. Routledge.
• Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging Adulthood: A Theory of Development from the Late Teens through the Twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.
• Kagitcibasi, C. (2005). Autonomy and Relatedness in Cultural Context: Implications for Self and Relationships. Journal of Personality, 73(4), 1268-1295.
• Schwartz, S. J., Cote, J. E., & Arnett, J. J. (2005). Identity and Agency in Emerging Adulthood: Two Developmental Pathways. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 34(2), 83-95.
• Mechanic, D. (1995). The Relation of Public and Private Roles in the Context of Health. International Journal of Health Services, 25(3), 511-527.
• Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.