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Samantha Successfully Uses the Toilet: Autonomy versus Shame
Samantha (age 3) has successfully used the toilet, and washed her hands, with plenty of encouragement from her mother and father! In Erickson's second stage, autonomy versus shame, the crisis is between developing independence and a sense of control over one's own physical world or feelings of inadequacy and heightened dependence on others. Resolution of this stage allows for the development of the virtue of will and self-control. -
Samantha's Exploration of Self: Identity versus Role Confusion
Samantha (age 18) began drawing at a young age, and now, in her schooling years, has been given ample opportunity by her professors to delve into more nuanced forms of painting. She enjoys Van Gogh, and spends lots of time trying to emulate his techniques. In Erickson's 5th stage, identity versus role confusion, the crisis is between developing a sense of personal identity (often with thorough investigation of personal beliefs, values, interests, etc.) or identity confusion. -
Samantha Opens Art Studio: Generativity versus Stagnation
Samantha (age 46) opens her own community art studio. She plans to teach classes on painting and ceramics for members of her community interested in the arts. Looking around, she is deeply satisfied by what she has achieved, and looks forward to the future. In Erickson's 7th stage of generativity versus stagnation, the crisis is between caring for and contributing to the lives of the next generation or feeling disconnected from society, and unable to "make your mark" on the world.