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Trust vs Mistrust
Seth (age 5 months) cries because he is hungry, but smiles when he sees his mother, knowing that she will give him food. In Erikson’s first stage, trust vs mistrust, the crisis is between learning to trust and rely on others, or learning mistrust and not expecting reliability from others. -
Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
Seth (age 2) successfully becomes toilet trained and is able to go on his own, developing a sense of pride. In Erikson’s second stage, autonomy vs shame and doubt, the crisis is between a sense of control over physical skills, creating independence, or failure, leading to doubt in oneself and embarrassment. -
Initiative vs Guilt
Seth (age 4) is able to attend preschool on his own and choose which toys and children he plays with, giving him a sense of purpose. In Erikson’s third stage, initiative vs guilt, the crisis is between asserting control over one’s environment or exerting too much power and experiencing disapproval, leading to a sense of guilt. -
Industry vs Inferiority
Seth (age 8) makes new friends and does well in his new school environment, making him feel competent. In Erikson’s fourth stage, industry vs inferiority, the crisis is being able to cope with new social and academic demands or the failure to rise to the new challenges, leading to inferiority. -
Identity vs Role Confusion
Seth (age 15) joins clubs and stays true to himself, creating confidence and assurance in himself. In Erikson’s fifth stage, identity vs role confusion, the crisis is between successfully developing a sense of self or failure, leading to confusion and a weak sense of self. -
Intimacy vs Isolation
Seth (age 25) forms strong relationships with his romantic partner and friends and maintains connections with his family. In Erikson’s sixth stage, intimacy vs isolation, the crisis is between forming intimate, loving relationships with those around you, and the failure to do so, leading to loneliness and isolation. -
Generativity vs Stagnation
Seth (age 50) has two grown and health children and is one of the most influential people in his company, making him feel accomplished. In Erikson’s seventh stage, generativity vs stagnation, the crisis is creating things that will outlast you and inflicting positive change or the failure to do so, resulting in little involvement or development in the world. -
Ego Integrity vs Depair
Seth (age 70) is comfortably retired, living with his wife and visited by his grandchildren. He accomplished everything that he wanted to in life, making him feel fulfilled and wise. In Erikson’s eighth stage, ego integrity vs despair, the crisis is between feeling satisfied when looking back at one’s life, versus full of regret, resulting in bitterness and despair.