Looking For Alibrandi and Erik Erikson free essay sample

Erik Erikson was a German developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on psychological development of human beings. Erikson believed that personality develops in a series of eight stages over the lifespan: Trust vs Mistrust, Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs Guilt, Industry vs Inferiority, Identity vs Role Confusion, Intimacy vs Isolation, Generativity vs Stagnation and Ego Integrity vs Despair. Examples of these stages can be recognised in the film Looking For Alibrandi. Looking For Alibrandi follows Joesphine Alibrandi at her final year in high chool, the year she meets her father, falls in love, looses her best friend and find the truth about her family. By reflecting on my own life experiences and the characters in Looking For Alibrandi, I am able to see how the theory applies to the process of growing up. Eriksons theory is evident through Josies character in Looking For Alibrandi. Due to her age, Josie is classified in the fifth stage, Identity vs Role Confusion. This is a major stage in development where the child has to learn the roles they will occupy as an adult. It is during this stage that the adolescent will re-examine their identity and try to find out exactly who they are. Josie is a confused girl, searching to find where she belongs in two different cultures. It is during Tomato Day where Josies negative feelings towards her Italian culture are expressed, this might be where I come from, but do I really belong here? . However, out of the resolution of her family conflicts she finds a sense of belonging and commits to her own sense of identity whats important is who I feel I am. Josies new acceptance of her culture is shown in the losing scene, in contrast to the opening, where Josie invites her friends to celebrate Tomato Day rather than leaving with them. Thus, Erik Eriksons theory accurately applies to the process of growing up. Identity vs Role Confusion is also shown through John Bartons character in Looking For Alibrandi. Eriksons theory states that if the parents continually push their child to conform to their views, the teen will face identity confusion. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and confused about themselves nd the future. John feels enormous pressure to live up to his fathers expectations and the absence of support from his family results in John committing suicide. John tried to be what his father wanted him to be and didnt attempt to make an identity for himself, l dont know what I want. Johns death is evident of role confusion, precluding him from progressing to further stages, showing Eriksons theory does apply to the process of growing up. Eriksons theory is also evident through Nonna Katias character in Looking For Alibrandi. According to her age, Katia is placed in the eighth and final stage of Eriksons theory, Integrity vs Despair. This phase occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life. Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general teeling ot satistaction. Katia is otten tocusing back on lite as seen through all the photos and stories she shares about her past, I was most beautiful of them all. Although, she does regret parts of her life such as staying with Francesco, l did my duty, I stayed with him. That was my penance. Katia successfully completed this stage with feelings of contempt and only few regrets, showing Eriksons theory does apply to the process of growing up. Industry vs Inferiority is a stage I have successfully achieved in Eriksons theory. This stage covers the early school years from approximately age 5 to 1 1 . Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills. In primary school, I was voted to be one of eight prefects, a leadership role held within the school. This accomplishment increased my confidence in my abilities and therefore lead to further leadership roles such as class captain in high school. Thus, Eriksons theory has successfully applied to my own life experiences in the process of growing up. However, there are circumstances where both the film Looking For Alibrandi and my wn life experiences have not matched Eriksons theory. This is evident through Christina Alibrandis character in Looking For Alibrandi. Christina is in sixth stage of Eriksons theory, Intimacy vs Isolation. Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this step will form relationships that are committed and secure. Christina tries to be part of long term relationships as seen when she goes on a date with doctor and talks about her previous relationship with Michael Andretti. However, she is unable to maintain an intimate, committed relationship and doesnt have a marital partner. According to Erikson, less committed relationships are more likely to suffer emotional isolation, loneliness, and depression. Despite this, Christina has a very strong relationship with her daughter Josie who says Id die if my mum died. Therefore, Eriksons theory does not apply to the process of growing up in Looking For Alibrandi. Eriksons theory states that personality develops in a series of eight stages over the lifespan.