pic from: http://www.spiz.net/In helping a person to receive God’s love, we may misunderstand or ignorant of what their need is. While everyone from young to old needs God’s love and the assurance of a relationship with God through Christ, there are different level of expectations and needs that one may have. Erik Erikson’s theory of ‘psychosocial stages’ gives an idea on what people’s inner needs could be according to their age. It also shows what may happen if their need is not fulfilled.
Their Need vs Possible outcome if not fulfilled
- Basic trust vs Mistrust (Infant)
- Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt (toddler)
- Initiative vs Guilt (preschool)
- Industry vs Inferiority (school)
- Identity vs Role confusion (Teenage)
- Intimacy vs Isolation (Young Adult)
- Generativity vs Stagnation (Mid-Adult)
- Integrity vs Despair (Late-Adult)
Helping people and reaching out to them makes more sense when we know what their needs could be. While a toddler explore with confident to try out new things by himself, he also needs guidance that would not hinder his need for autonomy. A teenager’s need for identity or a young adult’s need for intimacy needs no introduction. A grandmother’s need for appreciation for her wisdom or achievement and not regret about life should be considered when helping her. Bringing God’s love is made easier, when we really understand a person’s need and the Gospel is made more relevant this way.
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