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Gilbert Joins The Military: Identity versus Identity Confusion
Gilbert (age 18) joins the Army in order to establish an identity. In Erikson’s fifth stage, "Identity Vs. Identity Confusion", my grandfather chose Identity. Growing up in rural Alaska, he was unsure of who he was and what his capacities were, so he chose to join the military (identity). -
Gilbert's Decision to Marry: Intimacy versus Isolation
Gilbert (age 21) and Renee married because they wanted to spend the rest of their days together (intimacy). In Erikson’s sixth stage, "Intimacy Vs. Isolation", my grandfather chose isolation. This was evidenced by my grandparents getting a divorce and my grandfather choosing to never engage in another committed relationship again (isolation). -
Gilbert's Last Days: Ego Integrity versus Despair
My grandfather, Gilbert Johnson died surrounded by his children and grandchildren. When he looked back on his 77 years - knowing he wasted a majority of his life due to alcohol - he had a lot of regret. In Erikson’s eighth stage 'Ego Integrity Vs. Despair, his crisis was between trying to personal happiness and contentment in his life (ego integrity) and profound regret and wishing to be able to start his life over but recognizing it is too late (despair).
