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Trust vs. Mistrust
Ashley is born into a loving marriage between Rebecca and Frank, with frequent visits to her amazing grandparents that give her lots of snuggles. In Erickson’s first stage, trust versus mistrust, the crisis is between establishing a bond with caregivers and trusting that they will take care of every need or living in fear because most needs are ignored or are negatively reacted to causing more fear and mistrust. Ashley was loved well, and able to trust and confidently love others as she grew. -
Identity vs. Identity Confusion
Ashley (18) has moved out of her mom’s house into her own apartment for the first time. She has the freedom to explore her new environment independently. In Erickson’s fifth stage, identity versus identity confusion, the crisis is between figuring out their own identity with making new choices and exploring who they are or living in fear to leave the security of their childhood and never learning new experiences. Ashley found purpose in her work and learned to balance work with a social life. -
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Ashley (28) and Tyler get married because they loved each other, were best friends, and wanted to spend their lives together. In Erickson’s sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation, the crisis is between merging two lives together while learning to adapt to the new expectations of each other and respecting/loving one another or becoming isolated because of not adjusting lifestyles to fit with each other. Tyler and Ashley are happy to meet each other's needs and continue to love each other well.