Erik erikson’s block building task name

ERIK ERIKSON’S BLOCK BUILDING TASK NAME: ______________________________
Erik Erikson theorized about social – emotional development. He concluded that males develop a different pattern of thinking than females. Perhaps they do this innately or because of society’s influences. Erikson developed a block-building task to demonstrate his theory.
Give the subject the command… “Build an exciting scene.” The only variation from this could be “Build a dramatic scene”.
The subject should build in isolation, without interference, and be given an unlimited time limit.
If the subject asks questions or indicates that they do not understand the directions, do NOT make any suggestion. Instead, simply reassure them that this is not a test, there are no right or wrong answers, and they should just do the best they can. (adults are more hesitant than children)
Instruct the subject that when they are finished they can explain their scene to you.
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Erikson concluded that the following are “usual” patterns of building in males and females:
MALES FEMALES

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Structure are usually tall (comparatively) structures are usually shorter (comparatively)
If the scene is of some sort of destruction, If the scene is of some sort of destruction,

the destruction is usually complete (no hope) there is usually hope of survival, rebuilding, etc.

Frequent use of towers Scene often suggests motion or passageways
Lots of open spaces; lack of doors and gates Builds secure areas with doors and gates
Few people are enclosed within structures, In a situation depicting an intruder, the intruder is

especially without escape always a man, boy, or animal (and if it’s an

animal, it may belong to a boy)

Often builds a structure depicting a situation

in which a hero can emerge Frequently builds a combination of open and

closed spaces

Often builds a scene in which a male rescues

a female

When the subject is done building, the observer should say “tell me about your scene” or “explain to me what is happening in your scene”. The observer may need to ask questions pertinent to the scene and the patterns listed above, to discern whether or not the subject is following the “norm”. Erikson suggested that variations from the “norm” MAY provide some clues to the qualified therapist as to the social or emotional development of the subject.

Example: the average female would NOT build a scene and have an intruder be a girl or woman. If they do, is it because there is an aggressive or threatening female in their life?

For the purposes of this class, our only observation would be whether our subjects DO or DO NOT build in a manner that supports Erikson’s theory.