In order to answer this question I shall be looking at the theory of Erik Erikson (1902-1994). Erikson believed that identity is psychosocial, meaning that there are personal and social factors involved in the development of our identities. Erikson also theorised the 8 stages of identity development, which I shall be looking at in more detail, and linking his theories to the identities of people with disabilities. I shall see if his theories are useful in explaining the identities of people with disabilities and also relate the theory to the understanding.
Erikson believed that identity is created over time and is ongoing throughout our lives. We strive to obtain stability and consistency and find where we fit into the world that makes sense to both us and our social group. This may also be described as our core identity, where we strive to understand and maintain the past and m…(short extract)