Erikson's psychosocial stages of human development

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Film: American Beauty (1999)

Erikson's Psychosocial Stage of Human Development: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development describes eight stages of development that people go through from infancy to old age. Each stage is characterized by a central conflict that must be resolved in order for the individual to develop a healthy sense of self.

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    The fifth stage of Erikson's theory is identity vs. role confusion. This stage occurs during adolescence, when young people are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. They explore different identities and roles in order to develop a sense of self that is authentic and meaningful to them. The film American Beauty depicts the identity vs. role confusion stage of psychosocial development in a number of ways. The main character, Lester Burnham, is a middle-aged man who is having a midlife crisis. He is unhappy with his job, his marriage, and his life in general. He feels like he is trapped in a rut and that he has lost himself. Lester begins to explore different identities and roles in an attempt to find meaning in his life. He has an affair with his teenage daughter's friend, Angela Hayes. He also begins to take an interest in bodybuilding and starts to dress like a teenager. Lester's journey of self-discovery is not easy. He makes mistakes and he hurts people along the way. However, he ultimately comes to a better understanding of who he is and what he wants out of life. Other examples of identity vs. role confusion in the film:

• Angela Hayes is a teenager who is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She is drawn to Lester because he is different from the other adults in her life. She feels like she can be herself around him.
• Jane Burnham, Lester's wife, is also struggling with identity issues. She feels like she has lost herself in her role as a wife and mother. She begins to take an interest in real estate and starts to dress more provocatively.
• Ricky Fitts is a voyeur who is obsessed with Lester and his family. He is trying to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life.

Conclusion American Beauty is a complex and powerful film that explores a number of important themes, including identity, love, and loss. The film does a particularly good job of depicting the identity vs. role confusion stage of psychosocial development. Lester Burnham's journey of self-discovery is one that many people can relate to. In addition to the examples listed above, here are some other ways that the film depicts the identity vs. role confusion stage of psychosocial development:

• The film's use of symbolism and imagery reinforces the theme of identity. For example, the rose that Lester plants in his backyard represents his new sense of self. The plastic bag that suffocates him at the end of the film represents the role confusion that he was struggling with.
• The film's exploration of different identities and roles is also evident in the characters' clothing and physical appearance. For example, Lester's transformation from a middle-aged man to a teenage boy is reflected in his clothing and hairstyle.
• The film also depicts the challenges and conflicts that people face during the identity vs. role confusion stage of development. For example, Lester's affair with Angela creates tension in his relationship with his wife and daughter. Ricky Fitts' voyeurism leads him to make a mistake that has tragic consequences.

American Beauty is a thought-provoking film that can help viewers to better understand the identity vs. role confusion stage of psychosocial development. It is a film that stays with viewers long after they have seen it.