Which theorist views development as a lifelong process and grants ego identity a central place in this process?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Erik Erikson
Erikson’s theory lays stress on rational, conscious ego processes. In it, development is viewed as a lifelong process, and ego identity is granted a central place; his idea of the identity crisis of adolescence is well known.
The others are post-Freudian theorists with different central ideas: Alfred Adler’s individual psychology holds that behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed and stresses overcoming the inferiority complex; Karen Horney took a more optimistic view of growth and traced disorders to disturbed relationships in childhood (basic anxiety); Erich Fromm saw human beings as basically social beings, understood through their relationships with others.
NCERT (2025-26): “Erik Erikson : Search for Identity … Erikson’s theory lays stress on rational, conscious ego processes in personality development. In his theory, development is viewed as a lifelong process, and ego identity is granted a central place in this process. His concept of identity crisis of adolescent age has drawn considerable attention.…” “Alfred Adler : Lifestyle and Social Interest … Adler’s theory is known as individual psychology. His basic assumption is that human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed.…” “Karen Horney : Optimism … Horney was another disciple of Freud who developed a theory that deviated from basic Freudian principles. She adopted a more optimistic view of human life with emphasis on human growth and self-actualisation.…” |