-
Nina's Early Days: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
Nina (age 2) had been restrained from making choices and suffered punishments for trying to do things her way. In Erikson's second stage, Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt, the crisis is between developing a healthy sense of autonomy through the freedom of choice or experiencing excessive restraint and punishment which can cause an individual to have shame and doubt. -
Nina's Identity Crisis: Identity versus Identity Confusion
Nina (15) despite having a tough upbringing, knew what she needed to do in life, and that was to help other children who had gone through what she had to. In Erikson's fifth stage, Identity versus Identity Confusion, the crisis is between developing the awareness of oneself and knowing what you are capable of or being unable to do so which results in identity confusion. -
Nina's Middle ages: Generativity versus Stagnation
Nina (age 40) helps young children through therapy because she wants them to know that there will be better days. In Erikson's seventh stage, generativity versus stagnation, the crisis is between contributing to the care of the next generation or focusing on your own needs midlife which results in a state of stagnation.