Erikson Role Confusion

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There is no doubt that when an adolescent steps into the role of caregiver for a parent with special needs, Erikson’s stage of identity vs. role confusion be drastically affected. There is no doubt that Erikson’s stage of The child no longer views themselves as the child, but as more of a parental figure. Aldridge and Becker (1999) stated that “When children take on caregiving roles in the family their educational, social, and emotional experiences and health can often be seriously jeopardized” (p. 303). They may become confused as to what role they play in their family, society, and life in general. The needs of the adolescent tends to be neglected, and therefore they start to feel isolated from others. The child increasingly feels that …show more content…

Due to this fact, it is no surprise that Erikson’s Intimacy vs. Isolation stage of life, intimacy and the development of their own personally chosen paths may take a back burner to the needs and demands of caring for a loved one. This is a crucial stage of life where not only the person tends to begin a relationship that may lead to a family, it is also the time in a life where careers and life goals begin to be established. Levine et al. (2005) relayed that young adult caregivers reported that they had “less time for themselves, difficulty with marriage and dating partners, and job problems, including an inability to relocate” (Literature Review section, para. 1). This is the beginning of becoming productive members to society and starting the transition from child life into adult life. However, when this stage is interrupted for any reason, it can be quite damaging. As reported by Levine et al. (2005) in a survey of caregivers between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, “36.4% reported that they had less time for family and friends, and 43.1% gave up hobbies and social activities because of caregiving. About a third (31.4%) wanted more time for themselves, and 22.9% needed help in managing stress” (Results section, para. 14 and para. 17). These numbers are huge and it is easy to see that the impacts on Erikson’s intimacy vs. …show more content…

Brodaty and Donkin (2009) spoke of a wonderful support system available. Caregiver/psychosocial interventions are fantastic because they offer the possibility for: increased knowledge, improved mood, reduced stress and depression levels, and a delay in nursing home placement (Caregiver Intervention section, para. 1). This is an outstanding resource, and with all that is accessible through this program the chances of successful home care are significantly raised. This is not the only way to get help though. Brodaty and Donkin (2009) pointed out that social support and psychological vigor are most certainly linked (Support section, para 1). It is imperative that the caregivers and their family members do not store all of their emotions, frustrations, fears, and hostilities within themselves. They need the support of friends and family to get through such an emotionally trying situation. Beyond social support, technology based help can also be very helpful according to Brodaty and Donkin (2009), due to the fact that it is very easily accessible and it can open so many more doors that were otherwise unknown (Caregiver Intervention section, para. 6). Today’s world is run by technology and it is extremely easy to access. There

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