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Pam (27 yrs old) Early Adulthood: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Pam and Erik were recently married. According to Erikson, establishing intimacy means Pam has united her identity (which she formed during adolescence) with Erik, her committed, intimate, enduring partner relationship. This stage is marked by intimacy (as seen in marriage) or isolation. Isolation is characterized by an inability to form an intimate relationship. (Arnett & Jensen, 2019). -
Pam (57 yrs old) Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Knowing her life is impermanent, Pam is motivated to do her best to help future generations. While Pam is no longer the hands-on, daily manager at her company, she has been mentoring the next gen of leaders, including her daughter, her business successor. Pam exemplifies Erikson's definition of generativity. She is contributing to the well-being of future generations and is not focused purely on narrow self-interest (which Erikson terms stagnation). (Arnett & Jensen, 2019). -
Pam (97 yrs old) Late Adulthood: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
This unflattering photo taken at her surprise 97th birthday party makes Pam smile. She reflects that in her life, she has worn many expressions for many occasions (happy and hard life events.) She looks back and peacefully accepts the good and the bad. Erikson describes this as having ego integrity. Pam does not feel bitterness about the course of her life, nor lament those parts now unchangeable (which Erikson terms as despair.)