What's in a Name- "Identity Crisis"

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
“Identity Crisis”

Prominent 20th Century psychologist Erik Erikson is an interesting “fit” for adoptees- starting with his name. Erikson was born out of an extramarital affair and during his childhood his biological father’s identity was kept secret from him. Erikson was adopted by a stepfather and came to bear the stepfather’s last name (Homberger). But in adulthood, after learning that his biological father’s first name was probably Erik, Erik Homberger changed his name to Erik Erikson (“Erikson” meaning “son of Erik”).

In cultivating his theories of developmental psychology, Erikson conceived the phrase “identity crises”. He believed that a healthy sense of identity requires a sense of “personal sameness and historical continuity”. This theory is literally reflected in Erikson’s name-change- he sought to reclaim his own history and truth, as do so many adoptees.

Erikson is known for his “8 stages of psychosocial development”. The stages present another interesting fit for adoptees. The first stage, in infancy, is “Trust vs. Mistrust” and is basically defined by the question, “Does the child believe his/her caretakers to be reliable?” Think of the adoptee’s very first experience of the world. Taken away from Mother, perhaps fostered temporarily by an agency employing multiple caretakers, finally placed with yet new strangers who would become the adoptee’s family. The adoptee’s life foundation is shifting sand!

In high school, when I first learned about Erikson’s developmental stages, I remember thinking to myself, “Oh great, I flunked the first one,” meaning that I’d failed the very first “test”- trusting. I later came to learn how accurate my reaction was- I had recognized that a shaky sense of trust was informing, and limiting, my life experience. Since the resolution of each developmental stage affects the next, a ripple effect occurs. Each test is harder to “pass”. Developing self confidence, self esteem, identity, were all near-crippling tasks for me. As an adult I can appreciate how pronounced the stresses were for me compared to my not-adopted peers. But at the time, an abject sense of utter aloneness weighed on me on top of the trials of each stage. And I know that, although I’ve successfully navigated many gauntlets since then, challenges are ongoing.

If you’ve ever looked at Erikson’s “stages” (or if you care to take a look now), how do you respond to his ideas? Do they ring true? Does this fellow-adoptee help frame the process of growing and living in a way that’s helpful or validating for you?