Introducing Erik Erikson

Introducing Erik Erikson

Erik H. Erikson

Erik Erikson has been described as 'probably the most significant post-Freudian thinker' with a 'unique and profound vision'. Al Gore was his student, Bill Clinton a great admirer. Getting to grips with his complex ideas however is no easy task. This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth road map to Erikson's work and is ideal for all students of Psychology. Stevens lucidly and authoritatively analyses his ideas about childhood development, adolescence, identity, the life cycle and his psychobiographical studies of Luther and Gandhi. This penetrating critique of Erikson's work reveals how relevant his ideas are today.

An Introduction to Theories of Human Development

This brief, accessible core text provides a comprehensive view of the major developmental perspectives in a way that should appeal especially to students going on to applied careers in the social and behavioral sciences, education, and the human services and other helping professions. Neither overly detailed nor unnecessarily technical, it is intended as a basic introduction. At the same time, the author does not "talk down" or condescend to the reader. He emphasizes the applied nature of these developmental theories, not only in the text material but also with features such as boxed highlights. The book is organized into five major parts, beginning with an introduction to the primary concepts and important ideas about human development and research and then grouping various theories into four major theoretical perspectives--maturational and biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive developmental--before concluding with an integrative chapter that compares the various theories covered.