Human development is a continuous process shaped by biological, psychological, and social influences that affect how individuals grow, adapt, and form relationships across the lifespan. For interpreters, understanding Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development provides valuable insight into the challenges, needs, and communication styles that may emerge at different life stages. By examining factors such as brain development, physical and psychosocial milestones, and broader measures like Human Development Index (health, income, and education), interpreters can better recognize how environment and experience shape language use, decision-making, and interaction. This awareness helps interpreters adapt their communication strategies, foster empathy, and build trust with both providers and patients. Ultimately, applying human development concepts strengthens the interpreter's ability to support accurate, culturally sensitive communication and enhances the quality of care across all stages of life.
Objectives
· Interpreters will use Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development to better understand communication needs and challenges with patients at different life stages.
· Interpreters apply knowledge of human behavior, developmental factors, and patient history to facilitate accurate, empathetic, and culturally sensitive communication between providers and patients.
· Interpreters build trust-based, professional relationships by demonstrating empathy, accountability, and respect while maintaining the interpreter’s ethical role boundaries in personal, professional, and social interactions.
CE approval pending for CCHI and IMIA/NBCMI (1 CE Hour)