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Identity vs. Confusion
Billy just started high school. Here he discovered more opportunities to explore his interests and who he wants to be as an individual , by taking different electives and joining school groups to be a part of the school and local community.
During Erikson's fifth stage (adolescence), the individual begins to develop a more complex sense of self and an understanding of their place in the world. This stage is marked by a search for identity and a struggle to establish a clear sense of self. -
Intimacy vs. Isolation
WWll is active and young men are signing up for war. Billy graduated and decided to sign up with his friends and classmates for the army. What starts out as intimacy and solidarity between army brothers turns to isolation on the battlefield as Billy fights for survival.
In young adulthood, the individual begins to form close and meaningful relationships with others. This stage is marked by a desire for intimacy and a need to develop deep, meaningful connections with others. -
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Billy is early 40's now, he married and had a child after the war. Today his wife is leaving him because he can not hold down a job, due to his alcoholism, or control his mood swings. Billy has no desire to improve himself or his situation. This stage is marked by a desire to be productive and contribute to the greater good. Stagnation refers to the failure to find a way to contribute. Stagnant individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved with their community or with society as a whole.