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Lifespan Case Study: Of Michael Jackson applying Erikson’s theory (Erikson, 1963), and Valliant’s theory (Valliant, 2011) of psychosocial development. Michael Jackson Born in Gary, Indiana, USA DOB: 29/08/1958, Death: 25/06/2009, cause: acute Propofol intoxication Profession: singer, dancer, songwriter - entertainer Introduction This analysis of Michael Jackson’s life is from the perspective of two different theories of lifespan development: Erikson’s theory (Erikson, 1963), and Valliant’s theory (Valliant, 2011) of psychosocial development. Brief outline of the case Born in Gary, Indiana in 1958, into a low-income working-class family, Michael Joseph Jackson was the youngest of nine siblings, who shared a two-bedroom house along with their parents. His father, Joe Jackson, was a strict man who had an extensive work routine. An inspiring boxer and musician, he nevertheless had to work as a crane operator at US Steel to support the family. His homemaker mother, Katherine, a religious woman and a devout Jehovah’s Witness was a pianist and singer who always encouraged her offspring’s musical talents. In 1966, at the tender age of five, Jackson became part of his brothers’ band (The Jackson Brothers) which was managed by his father. Renamed ‘The Jackson 5’, Michael became the lead singer of the family group. Despite the boys’ relative youth, his father enforced a long and exhausting rehearsal schedule. The Jackson 5 experienced considerable success as a group. But when Michael Jackson launched his solo career, he became a show business phenomenon, enjoying unparalleled public fame and popularity as “The King of Pop”. His personal life, however, was marked by possible childhood trauma, controversy, massive public exposure, accusations of child abuse, along with his public success and his philanthropic work. In 2009, Jackson became the victim of a prescription painkiller overdose that took his life at the age of 50. Chronologic timeline

1958 - Born

1982- Reached 1985- started 1993-First 1964- joined 1971- started huge drastic change sexual abuse the Jackson 5 solo career popularity of appearance accusation

1994-first wedding

1996Suces ful world tour

Analysis of the case: Erikson’s Theory See Table 1(below) to see summary of Michael Jackson’s Lifespan review

Michael had caring mother (Betram, 2019)

Trust vs Mistrust

Autonomy vs Shame/ Doubt

Initiative vs Guilt

Career consolidation vs Selfabsorption

y

Michal had no autonomy over choices/ severe punishments from dad when making mistakes (jackson, 1993)

unable to achieve trustautonomy leading to shame and Doubt over Autonomy

Michael was obligated to start working at the age of 5/ His father would not let him play (Bertram, 2019).

Michael might have developed a sense o guilt due to his inability to reach such high standards required by his father/ unable to play with friends led to a lack of autonomy on choices

Michael had financial problems, had his image d ruined by media and sexual convictions and lost his privacy completely (Bertram, 2014)

mistakes (Jackson,

Generativity vs Stagnation

1993) Michael struggled with the drug addiction and sexual abuse charges. He had two divorces (Bertram, 2019).

tly ly lso nce problems (Jackson, 1993)

Be Eg Intimacy isolation

Keeper of the meaning vs Rigity

Michael was able to develop Trust over Mistrust

lack of social interactions/ failled attempt to create relationships, two divorces (Bertram, 2019) in the end of his life he seemed to be a great dad and was also very altruistic (Bertram, 2019)

Michael had constant harrasment from the media, lost his privacy, became addicted in drugs, becamse depressed. Developing SelfAbsorption rather than consolidation.

a low confidence making

Michael decided to re live his childhood at this stage / felt like he didnt belong. Leading to Generativity crisis.

s el g to

others. Leading to Identity Confusion.

M Michael could not o compare himself to 5 others from outise of his home/ developedd commitment issues Michael tried his best to self-transform despite failling the previous stages

Applying Erikson’s Theory

Erikson’s theory (Erikson, 1963) offers an explanation of human development with reference to eight psychosocial stages that track an individual’s lifespan from birth to death. Erikson took Sigmund Freud’s controversial theory of psychosexual development and reformulated his whole approach (Crain, 2005) into a narrative of ego identity and psychological/emotional crises. Whereas Freud’s psychosexual theory focuses on specific parts of the body, Erikson’s methodology involves a more generalised view (Crain, 2005). Specifically, Erikson (1963) proposed that the first four stages comprise the childhood period, the next three categorise the adult years and, the final phase indicates old age. Each of these stages includes a psychosocial crisis, each with a negative and positive outcome in terms of emotional development (Crain, 2005). The first stages, as described by Erikson’s model, are categorised as Trust vs Mistrust. According to Jackson’s biography, his mother was caring during his early years of life, which means he completed the first stage successfully, as it were. However, Jackson senior was said to be an aggressive and abusive father, Jackson junior recalled:  “I just remember hearing my mother scream, ‘Joe, you’re going to kill him, you’re going to kill him, stop it.” (A&E, 2020). This statement goes to the heart of the category: “Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt” - the second stage proposed by Erikson (1963). The severe punishment meted out by his father may well have been the root cause of the sensation that he had no authority over himself, in turn leading to feelings of shame and selfdoubt. It is certainly possible, if not likely that the assault on his autonomy at this critical moment in his early development led to a degree of shame and doubt, which ultimately created a personality that was fragile and insecure.

Referring to his time with The Jackson 5, Jackson observed: “My childhood was taken away from me. There was no Christmas, there were no birthdays, it was not a normal childhood, nor the normal pleasures of childhood. Those were exchanged for hard work, struggle and pain and eventually material and professional success.” (Jackson, 1993). Erikson proposed that this stage corresponds to the Freudian phallic phase, where the child is supposed to attain self-confidence and autonomy. Jackson was unable to achieve this trust-autonomy combination (Erikson, 1997). This may well have fuelled his high level of expectation and ultimately frustration. Despite the enormous public success, he achieved through his artistic output, Jackson nevertheless remained incapable of accomplishing the goals that he inwardly aspired to, leading possibly to feelings of shame and guilt. In an attempt to redirect his energies towards goal fulfilment, his flights into fantasy

signalled an escape from the pressure and tension of his loved experience and reality. In respect of the Industry vs. Inferiority phase, Jackson revealed in an Interview with Gold Magazine, that his father used to monitor closely as the brothers rehearsed. He would sit holding a belt in case they made any mistakes (Jackson, 2002). This abusive parenting style is consistent with low levels of confidence in children and can lead to feelings of inferiority. On account of the rigorous demands arising from the extreme perfectionism of his father, Jackson was never able to feel accomplished as a performer, even though he evidently was. On this point, Jackson commented: “I am never pleased with anything, I’m a perfectionist, and it is part of who I am” (Jackson, 1993). During the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage, Erikson believes that in adolescence individuals need to be part of a group where their ideas are supported. In Jackson’s case, he felt no group affinity outside of the family (Erikson, 1997). It is probable this contributed to feelings of emptiness, anxiety and isolation, and to an inability to fit into the adult world, and eventually leading to his regression. In interview, he expressed his insecurity thus: “I had pimples so badly it used to make me so shy, I used not to look at myself, I’d hide my face in the dark, I wouldn’t want to look in the mirror and my father teased me, and I just hated it and I cried every day” (Jackson, 1993). According to Erikson’s model (1963), in order to cope with the psychological and physical transformations of adolescence, the teenager needs a sense of security (Erikson, 1963). This, Erikson maintains, provides the foundation for that part of identity formed by the ego. Evidently, Jackson’s emotional problems in relation to his physical appearance and the constant bullying from his father are leading contenders in any explanation of his long-standing identity confusion since Jackson had nobody else to compare himself to. During the Intimacy vs. Isolation phase, the formation of intimate and devoted relationships becomes essential. In interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jackson laments the absence of close friends: “... I loved show business and I still love show business, but then there are times you want to play and have some fun and that part did make me sad. I remember one time we were getting ready to go to South America and everything was packed up in the car ready to go and I hid, and I was crying because I really did not want to go. I wanted to play. I did not want to go and … you don’t get to do things that other children get to do, you know, having friends and slumber parties and buddies. There was none of that for me. I didn’t have any friends.” (Jackson, 1993).

The lack of opportunity and/or inability to form secure, long-lasting relationships likely had an impact on Jackson’s sense of self, contributing

to a fear of commitment in the attempt to protect his fragile, unsafe ego, in turn leading to social and emotional isolation. Jackson’s love life was practically null until 1970s and some of his relationships were said to be asexual (Bertram, 2019). Erikson’s theory posits that, since Jackson failed to build up these relationships throughout the previous cycles, his ego was not strong and autonomous enough to accept another ego without feeling threatened, thus causing isolation (Erikson, 1963). The Generativity vs Stagnation stage refers to the inherent human need to teach. This capacity has the effect of curtailing self-absorption and is instrumental in the social transmission of beliefs and knowledge. Jackson’s childhood was very conflicting. His Jehovah’s Witness mother consistently reminded Jackson that sexual contact before marriage was proscribed by God. Yet his involvement in showbusiness meant him having to perform concerts in bars and strip clubs quite frequently (Jackson, 1988). The emptiness, frustration and emotional stress that marked his life could certainly be characterised as stagnation, and one that contributed to a generativity crisis (Erikson, 1998). Jackson was not well prepared to continue and consolidate, as the subsequent stages of his life developed.

George Valliant (1992) added two more stages to Erikson theory. The Career Consolidation vs. Self-Absorption phase refers to the period of life when an individual is able to convert work into a more worthwhile career. Although Jackson was without doubt a truly great performer, the number of sexual accusations and scandals around his private life produced negative repercussions vis-a-vis his public image. This certainly appears to have pushed him towards a greater degree of Self-Absorption than might be expected for an individual with such a high-achieving profile. In terms of the category Ego Integrity vs Despair, it may be argued that Jackson was a loving and dedicated father, showing signs of integrity and even keeper of meaning (Jackson, 2002). However, given the nature and possible extent of the sexual offences of which he was increasingly accused before his death, this could equally be said to be compromised.

Analysis of the case: Valliant’s Theory of Defence Mechanisms

See Table 2 (below) to see summary of Michael Jackson’s Lifespan

Denial

Michael compared himself to Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up/ perpetual boy, he also denied plastic surgeries and skin bleaching(Jackson, 1988)

Distortion

Even with troubled childhood, Michael states that he wouldn't change a thing from his past (Jackson, 1993)

Psychotic

review

Intermediate/ Neurotic

Isolation

Michael struggled with commitments and intimate relationships (Jackson, 2002)

Michael helped over 1 charities/ created a song help children in Africa (Bertam, 2019) Altruism

Immature

dissociation

Michael became addicted in Drugs which ledDue to overdose/ to his inability to def death (Bertram, 2019) himself, Michael dedica himself to help voicele children (Jackson, 200

Mature

Sublimation

Michael channeled anxi and depression perform Arts (Jackson, 1993)

Applying Valliant’s Theory Valliant (1992) described psychotic defences as illusory projections, denial and distortion. Under the “psychotics” category are the mechanisms in the lowest level of defence. Jackson demonstrated the use of denial, He

became obsessed with the boy who never grew up, noting: “I totally identify with Peter Pan, the lost boy from Never Neverland” (Jackson, 1993). Jackson built a ranch at his house which he called Neverland Ranch, a theme park inspired by Peter Pan (Jackson, 1988). The retreat into childhood, to pretend he had never grown up, seemed easier to him than adulthood. This is described as perpetual boy. (Valliant, 1992). Jackson also denied the skin bleaching and surgeries (Jackson, 1993).

Another Psychotic mechanism Jackson was prone to was distortion: an illusion, a projection that accommodate internal needs e.g. ideas of wish fulfilment, the delusion whose aim is to supress original feelings. At the Grammy Legend Award in 1993, Jackson told the audience: “My childhood was taken away from me. There was no Christmas, there were no birthdays, it was not a normal childhood, nor the normal pleasures of childhood. Those were exchanged for hard work, struggle and pain and eventually material and professional success. But as an awful price I cannot recreate that part of my life. Nor would I change any part of my life.” In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he added: “I wouldn’t change the past if I could. I’m enjoying myself” (Jackson, 1993). This position betrays signs of distortion. On the one hand, he says he had his childhood taken away from him. On the other hand, he says he would not change a thing about his upbringing. This contradiction in terms appears to be a clear attempt to suppress his longing for a more normal childhood. Jackson’s skin tone became lighter and lighter. He claimed it was due to a skin condition (vitiligo) and that he would never deliberately change his skin colour. He also denied having plastic surgery, even though the shape of his nose had evidently changed. This appears to be a clear sign of schizoid fantasy and denial. From a psychological point of view, Jackson’s response to the traumas of emotional and physical abuse took the form of a body dysmorphic disorder which caused him psychological distress (Gottlieb, 2004).

Displaying signs of dissociation, Jackson, to treat some of his somatic symptoms, ended up addicted to his doctor’s prescribed medications, being admitted to various rehab programs for drug users, yet at the age of 50, he died of a drugs overdose (Bertram, 2014) In the Intermediate category, mechanisms commonly employed from childhood through to old age are a means of dealing with intrapsychic conflicts (Valliant, 1992). In line with the terms of reference for the current study, it might be said Jackson displayed obvious signs of Isolation. He observed: “Even at home I am lonely, I sit in my room sometimes and cry, it's so hard to make friends, sometimes I walk around the neighbourhood at night just to find someone to talk but I just end up coming home”, “I put a lot of mannequins in my room in the past. I still have mannequins in my room, because I used to be very lonely. Painfully lonely. So lonely. You have no idea. I used to walk the streets looking for people to talk to and people...I would walk up to them, strangers, and say 'Will you be my friend?' They'd go 'Oh my God, it's Michael Jackson!' That's now what I

wanted. I wanted somebody to love or be my friend for me and not for the external me”. This sense of profound isolation led to the depressive symptoms he experienced in his lifetime.

Under the category of Mature Mechanism proposed by Valliant (1992), Jackson presented altruism and sublimation. Despite his troubled childhood, he appears to have displayed various Mature mechanisms fairly frequently throughout his life. Asked about his philanthropic causes, he replied: “We have three primary goals in mind: immunization of children, mentoring a big sister, big brother program, and education in drug abuse”. In 1992, Jackson founded the “Heal the World Foundation” (Bertram, 2019), an organisation which donated millions of dollars for underprivileged children and over 17 charities. He explained: “I want to be the voice for the voiceless children, because I love them. I’m living for the children. If it weren’t for the kids, I would throw in the towel” (Bertram, 2019). In his biography “Moonwalk”, Jackson wrote on the subject of his father: “We’d perform for him and he’d critique us. If you messed up, you got hit, sometimes with a belt, sometimes with a switch. My father was real strict with us – real strict” (Moonwalk, 1988). This statement refers to his inability to defend himself from an abusive father and offers an explanation for his charity work for children. Jackson’s attempt to repair the damage caused by his loss of childhood, it seems, was to help disabled and underprivileged children. Jackson also displayed the use of Sublimation. In an attempt to satisfy his drives Michael used Arts (Valliant, 1992). Talking of performing, Jackson commented: “I think it happens subliminally. When you’re dancing, you know you are just interpreting the music, and the sounds and the accompaniment if there’s a driving bass, if there’s a cello, if there’s a string, you become the emotion of what the sound is”, “Oh, boy, I think, um, to give in the best way I can through song, and through dance and through music. I mean, I am committed to my art. I believe that all art has as its ultimate goals the union between the material and spiritual, the human and the divine. I believe that to be the reason for the very existence of art” (Jackson, 1993). It is possible to see that Jackson channelled a great deal of his inner turmoil and anxieties into the impulse to sublimation through his art. Final Evaluation

Both theories performed very well in the analysis of Jackson’s personal development throughout his life. After extensive research, it can be concluded that Jackson’s father seemed to have exerted a huge influence on his son’s development, with the consequence that Jackson minor was only able to complete successfully the first stage of Erickson’s model. He had a troubled childhood marked by his father's excesses. The child abuse he was subject to led to feelings of insecurity towards his appearance, feelings that seem to have fostered a full-blown identity confusion, to the extent that he even appears to have changed the colour of his skin.

Jackson, evidently, had no autonomy over his choices during childhood: he was unable to play and form friendships, and was coerced into working and rehearsing excessively. The conflictual mi...