Erickson’s eight stage model of psychological development is one of the most influential life span development theories in the personality literature. This theory is based on the thought that individuals take on a series of roles based on the stage of development in their life span (Jones, 2008). Internal and external forces shape life development and there are specific tasks to be completed at each stage so that the individual is considered successful at that particular stage and able to progress to the next stage in life. Life-span theory is particularly useful in looking at adults in the senior stages of their life as they reflect back on their mastery of their previous stages in their life (Yount, …show more content…
This theory describes how the family system affects the individual and family functioning across all stages of life (Agllias, 2013). The key ideas of this theoretical lens are boundaries within the family unit, what roles family members play within the family unit and how communication affects family functioning. Families are systems of interconnected and interdependent individuals. In order to understand the individual, we must obtain a sense of understanding of how the individual functions within their family unit (Urdang,