Probably the greatest impact of Erikson’s theory is that it expanded the study of developmental psychology past adolescence into the stages of adulthood (young, middle, and late)
The sequence in the theory (intimacy issues followed by identity issues) turns out to be the most applicable to men and career-oriented women
Many women may solve these issues in reverse order or simultaneously
For example, a woman may marry and have children and then confront the identity issues when the children become adults