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Erikson's parents had separated before he was born. He never saw his biological father, but was raised by his mother who then married Dr. Theodore Homberger (Erikson's stepfather).
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As a boy, Erikson was teased for his looks because he looked different than the rest of the kids at his Jewish temple school. He was confused about where he fits.
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He was offered a teaching position at Harvard Medical School and changed his name to Erik Homberger.