Erickson's Theory

Industry vs Inferiority

Jul 10, 2005

Sam (age 11) recently watched a video of a person playing a guitar from the television. He really liked it and started getting interested in learning how to play a guitar. He asked his mom if she can buy him a guitar. His mom was so happy that he found something that interest him and she bought a guitar for Sam. In Erikson's 4th stage, industry vs inferiority, the crisis is between becoming motivated and be encouraged by peers (industry) or losing motivation (inferiority).

Identity vs Role Confusion

Feb 3, 2010

Sam (age16) who likes to play the guitar wants to join a band and be a rock star in the future. His mom does not like it and she wants Sam to go to college after high school. In Erickson's fifth stage, identity vs role confusion, the crisis between having self confidence (identity) and having lack of confidence because of peers (role of confusion).

Intimacy vs Isolation

Oct 23, 2015

Sam (age 21) followed his mom and went to college after high school while playing guitar as a hobby. Sam found a girl that he likes in college and they started building a romantic committed relationship with each other. IN Erickson's 6th stage, intimacy vs isolation, the crisis is between is having a deep connection with someone (intimacy) or lack of intimacy (isolation).