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John decides to Fight for his Country: Identity vs.Role Confusion
Right after he turned 18, John decides to fight in World War II after Pearl Harbor is bombed by Japan. In Erikson's fifth stage, Identity vs. Role Confusion, adolescents discover who they are as a person and what their role is within their culture. Those who struggle with this have identity confusion. -
John decides to Marry: Intimacy vs. Isolation
After returning home from WWII at age 21, John decides to commit the rest of his life with Betty by asking for her hand in marriage. In Erikson's sixth stage, Intimacy vs. Isolation, the crisis is between commiting to build close relationships or build a life of isolation. -
John passes the torch: Generativity vs. Stagnation
By age 41, John and Betty have 3 boys. John's priority in his life is the well-being of his boys, as he hopes to provide them with the lifeskills and opportunities to live full lives. In Erikson's seventh stage, Generativity vs. Stagnation, the crisis is between focusing on the well-being of the next generation or the personal needs of midlife. Those who focus on the personal midlife needs are in stagnation -
John's Last Days: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
By age 81, John knew he was living the end of his life. Looking back on his life, he was proud of the life he and his wife had built, especially being proud of his family. In Erikson's last stage, Ego Integrity vs. Despair, the crisis is between accepting and being happy with how life was lived or having regrets at the end of life.
