Late Adolescence

The Psychosocial Crisis of Later Adolescence

One of the significant concerns of Ericksons psychosocial stage theory is ego identity development and growth. It is a self-conscious sense that develops through frequently changing social interactions due to new information and experiences acquired through interactions with others. According to Erickson, the youth have to resolve two life crises while at the adolescent stage. While in this case, crisis refers to series of internal conflicts within oneself. Equally, the way one resolves these internal conflicts finally determines ones identity and future development. (Pittman,2011) Moreover, as teens transition into adulthood, they are usually grasped by the feeling of confusion and insecurity as they attempt to fit into society. In an attempt to establish themselves, teens engage in different roles, behaviors, and activities, as illustrated by Gilberts scenario from the movie whats eating Gilbert Grape. (Griffiths,2011)

In particular, the crisis of identity versus identity confusion usually occurs between the early to middle adolescent stage period of a teen. Usually, it involves the struggle to create a balance between developing ones unique personal identity and fitting into the family and societys acceptance. According to Erickson, it is believed that if youths manage to overcome the crisis of determining what they desire to be and how they want to be viewed by others, they would finally emerge with explicit knowledge of their identity and can easily share with others. Hence, they become healthy and well-adjusted. Besides, they become confident personalities who can interact with other people freely minus losing their own identity. (Pittman,2011)

On the other hand, when one fails to navigate the challenges successfully, he may become uncertain about himself. Consequently, when one lacks such understanding, he may disconnect himself socially from family and friends. Also, one can become an extremist by exaggerating the sense of their importance. However, concerning Ericksons theory, youths stuck at the stage would not grow into mature adults emotionally. (Pittman,2011)

Similarly, Gilberts story, Whats eating Gilbert Grape, who is a young teenager entangled within the crisis of identity versus identity confusion, depicts Ericksons point of view. Gilbert, who assumed the whole family responsibility after the father committed suicide, has to navigate the series of crises to find his identity. For example, he had to take care of his brother Arnie and provide financial support to the family. Gilbert subsequently had to assume a fathers responsibility, while his sisters took the cooking role as a mother. Thus, affecting their emotional development. In so doing, Gilbert decided to take the job of stocking shelves and supply groceries in the local store to feed the family. Equally, he decided to take the leading role to ensure the safety of his mentally challenged brother. However, after meeting Becky for the second time in town, Gilbert had to redetermine his domestic duties, functionality, and mental status to preserve his identity. (Griffiths,2011)

Moreover, Gilbert expresses the strong desire for freedom through the opening scene of campers riding through Endora, whose landscape was Gilberts trap. Meeting Becky helped him understand how Becky valued the liberty he had been craving for but unable to get. Gilbert felt that advancing his relationship with Becky could allow him to share some...

…failure along the experimental journey, using various approaches while interacting with their friends and family. Finally, such social support networks allow fellows to build emotional intimacy with few select individuals and obtain satisfaction from those relationships. (Shaffer & Kipp 2013)

In the same way, Gilbert would meet Bobby and Tucker and sit down in town to ponder what life meant for them and its fleeting nature. Besides, when Becky and her grandmother were stuck in town, Gilbert decided to get along with them despite his unusual life circumstances. As a result, Gilbert found himself boding to Becky as they were involved in deep conversations. In the end, Gilbert fell in love with Becky marking the beginning of their intimacy. Thus, enabling Gilbert to obtain satisfaction from the relationship with Becky. (Griffiths,2011)

To conclude, as a therapist, to help Gilbert rehabilitate and get his life back to normal, I would set the following goals to achieve. One, to restore hope. Gilbert must have lost hope in life due to several predicaments he was going through, including his fathers death, the Mental challenge of his brother, the morbidity obesity of his mother, to lack of adequate finance to provide for the family. Giving him hope would enable him to remain the focus. Secondly, Gilbert needed to be empowered. For instance, he needed to feel like he can set his own goals, and he has the autonomy and power to realize his aims. Thirdly, Gilbert was required to be taught skills to manage his situation and live the life he admired. The gifts may include social skills and living skills, amongst others.…