An exploratory study on the relationship between completion of Erikson’s fourth psychosocial stage and assurance of salvation

ABSTRACT Counseling professionals and trainees are encouraged to address clients’ presenting concerns through a developmental lens. A versatile theory appears to be Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development, which looks at the human being through the lifespan approach. Through a cross-sectional quantitative method, this study explored the relationship between completion of Erikson’s fourth psychosocial stage and a Christian’s perceived assurance of salvation. Responses from 105 participants indicated that there was no statistically significant correlation between completion of Erikson’s fourth stage and perceived assurance of salvation. However, mean tests revealed gender, generational, and academic differences in the perceived assurance of salvation. Implications for pastors and counselors are explored.