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Noel Finds a Purpose: Identity vs Identity Confusion
Noel (age 15) finds herself involved in the church and in multiple sports groups. Gaining confidence and awareness of her abilities, she grows into her role in her community.
In Erikson's fifth stage identity versus identity confusion
the crisis between developing an awareness of ones self, capabilities, and their place in their culture (identity) or not (identity confusion) takes place during adolescence. -
Noel Enters Isolation: Intimacy vs Isolation
Noel (age 22) is not willing to risk her identity formed in adolescence. She turns down any requests to date and is not willing to be vulnerable in order to find intimacy. As a result, Noel enters isolation.
In Eriksons sixth stage intimacy vs isolation,
the crisis is between being vulnerable and willing to risk their newly formed identity for an intimate relationship or end up isolated without one. -
Noel Becomes a "Big Sister": Generativity vs Stagnation
Noel (age 35) joins the Big Brothers Big Sisters group and becomes a big sister to 3 different young girls in need of a role model and adult support. Noel enjoys feeling like she is making a difference in the next generation.
In Erikson's seventh stage, generativity vs stagnation,
the crisis is between focusing on the well-being of the next generation (generativity) or on one's own needs (stagnation).