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Trust vs. Mistrust
Isabella (Age 1) has awoken in the middle of the night, sleeping alone in her crib for the first time. She cries due to being alone her mother arrives shortly, holding Isabella until she falls back asleep.
This is Erikson’s first stage, trust vs. mistrust. A child must receive consistent love and comfort from their primary caregiver. If a child is unable to properly receive the attention and affection they require, a sense of mistrust is implemented indiscriminately for all individuals. -
Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
Isabella (Age 2) decided to pick out her own clothes, managing to successfully dresses herself under her mother’s watch, who provided guidance only when asked.
This is Erikson’s second stage, autonomy versus shame and doubt. In this stage, children start to make independent decisions if these are not supported the child will develop a sense of shame for having done wrong and a sense of doubt for new things they may not succeed in. -
Initiative vs. Guilt
Isabella (Age 3) is going to participate in an outdoors play date with her friends. She chooses to bring along various paints, as she plans to share and paint with her friends.
This is Erikson’s third stage, initiative versus guilt. In this stage, children start to make plans and decisions on their own accord. If these plans are rejected or go poorly, the child will feel a sense of guilt and discouraged from trying new things.
