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Victor Frankl (age 17) began corresponding with Sigmund Freud and later published his first psychology paper. His interactions with mentors and early academic influences shaped his identity. The crisis in this stage asks, “Who am I?”. If individuals can explore freely, they may develop a stable identity. However, if they’re forced into roles or are unsure of who they are, they may experience role confusion and feel lost.
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Nine days after surviving Auschwitz and losing his wife and family, Frankl wrote "Man's Search for Meaning". He then dedicated his life to writing, lecturing, and developing logotherapy. The crisis in this stage asks, “Can I make a difference?” Individuals aged 40-50 seek meaning by making a difference in the world. This can be through family, work, or creativity. If they succeed, they feel fulfilled and valued(generativity). If they don't succeed, they feel lonely and unproductive (stagnation).
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In interviews and speeches before Frankl died in 1997, he reflected on his life and expressed that he felt deeply at peace with his legacy. He claimed that life has a purpose despite suffering. The crisis in this stage asks, “Was my life meaningful?” The elderly reflect on their lives, and if they feel proud and find meaning in their experiences, they develop ego integrity (a sense of fulfillment). If they regret unresolved issues or missed opportunities, they may feel despair and bitterness.