Pyschosocial Development 2

(contd from previous post..)

Continuing Erikson's tension through various stages

5) Adolescence, Age 14 to 20, tension is "Identity vs Role Confusion"
This stage sees the seeking of an identity in society. The danger is role confusion, uncertainty of who one is and what is one to become. Often this results in a temporary over identification with a clannish group. Even the development of a negative (self destructive) or socially unacceptable identity may be prefered to no identity.


6) Young Adulthood, Age 21-35, tension is "Intimacy vs Isolation"
Intimacy is the preparedness to share, compromise and sacrifice, a commitment to relationship or partnership, leading to a sense of connectedness. In this stage if the threat of ego loss is too great, the person will avoid intimate relationship often giving rise to a sense of isolation or self absorption.Yet for some, intimacy provides the solution to the identity crisis of the previous stage. Such relationship results in a burden on the other partner to provide an identity for 2 people.


7) Middle Adult, Age 30 to 65 (very broad huh), tension is "Generativity vs Stagnation"
Generativity is the interest in establishing and guiding the next generation, expressed usually through forms of creativity and altruistic concerns.It really comes from the word generate, "everything that is generated from generation to generation, children, products, ideas and works of art"-(Erikson).
Stagnation refers to lack of interest in others and the tendency to be self focused and self indulgent.Failure to attain generativity may lead to personal impoverishment.

8) Older Age, above 65, tension is Ego Integrity vs Despair
Ego integrity is the acceptance of one's life for what it has been and freedom from excessive regret for what it has not been. Lack of such integrity leads to despair. Such despair is usually hidden behind a show of disgust or contemptuous displeasure with certain institution or people. This is probably a projection of the individual's disgust with himself.