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Trust vs. Mistrust
Edward Edwards was a fussy baby that was easily overwhelmed by new experiences, people, and being left alone. Edward cried often but his mother responded to his cries punctually and soothed Edward. He came to trust the world and started to cry less often and less severely. For the stage of trust vs. mistrust the dilemma is to determine if the world should be trusted and seen as safe or to mistrust, consequently not counting on others. -
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Edward is a senior in college. He is in a relationship with a fellow classmate that has been going on for two years. Edward is going to propose to his girlfriend after graduation. In the stage of intimacy vs. isolation the dilemma is to get vulnerable and open up to heartbreak for the benefits of intimacy or to guard your heart and end up alone. -
Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Edward has had some rough times over the years but he managed to keep great relationships with his wife and three children. He look back over the good and bad times over the years and feels it was a life well lived. For the stage of ego integrity vs. despair the dilemma is to accept life for all the good and bad times and see it as a life well lived. Alternatively you can have may regrets and think that you wasted your life.