Final answer:
John's psychological issues likely stem from a complex background of his parents' divorce, living with an overprotective mother, and the subsequent introduction of a stepfather during critical developmental stages, contributing to his inability to form a positive self-concept critical for intimate relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
John, a 35-year-old man, appears to struggle with psychological problems manifesting as trust issues in his romantic relationships, and he accuses his mother of being overprotective during his childhood. John's illness seems to stem from his disturbing childhood experiences including his parents' divorce, living with a financially struggling mother, and having a stepfather enter his life during his formative years. Moreover, his mother's overprotectiveness and discouragement from independent exploration likely contributed to his difficulty in forming a positive self-concept, which is essential for developing intimate relationships in adulthood as per Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.
The emotional disconnect and possible lack of a male role model during his critical developmental stages might have led to his inability to trust and maintain long-term relationships. The information suggests a complex interplay between John's upbringing, his witnessed relationship dynamics, and lacks adequate emotional support during his early years.