Professor Erik Erikson: Part One: Introduction (01:42)

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Professor Erik Erikson has had a successful career in academic psychology and has written several books that have changed the field of psychoanalysis. The interview takes place at the University of Houston.

Studying Psychoanalysis (03:41)

The interview begins with a question about how the Erikson became involved in the psychoanalytic movement. Because Dr. Sigmund Freud believed psychoanalysis to be the middle ground between science and art, he encouraged non-medical professionals, such as Erikson, to join the movement.

Stages of Childhood Development (06:21)

Freud believes the first five years of an individual's life are the most vital to their psychosexual development, but Erikson developed his theory of the eight ages of man. Erikson talks about criticisms of his theory highlighting that many misunderstand his work and believe it is an achievement scale.

Cultural Development (06:31)

The conversation turns to oral sensory patterns beginning with their connection to hope; Erikson starts by explaining his definition of the terms "virtue" and "hope." He also asserts that it is impossible for a student to develop entirely free of shame and anxiety because of how our culture operates.

Discussions on Freudian Theory (09:28)

Erikson talks about the development of man and how they grow out of the Oedipus complex stage and create a goal-oriented view of their lives. The conversation turns to Freudian theories about sexual energy and psychosexual development.

Terms Describing Childhood Development (06:55)

Erikson explains to the interviewer what the latency period is and how it is processed by young children in a society dominated by industry. Puberty and adolescence were terms created by Erikson to explain the developmental period children go through as they begin to mature physically and mentally.

Identity Expression (08:18)

Erikson explains to the interviewer that people can develop virtues, such as faithfulness, as a natural step in human evolution. The next stage in the epigenetic cycle is young adulthood in which Erikson addresses intimacy versus isolation.

Final Stages of Life (05:24)

The interviewer asks Erikson to explain why he chose to avoid the Freudian terms genital and creativity during their discussion on human growth and development. Erikson then goes on to explain why he chose the word "care" to describe a later phase in human development; the pair discuss the final stage of life.

Credits: Professor Erik Erikson (00:42)

Credits: Professor Erik Erikson