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Sarah's Fall: Trust vs. Mistrust
Sarah (age 14 months) began crying because she fell from a stepladder, he mother then came to her aid by and in turn Sarah stopped crying. By Sarah’s mother meeting her needs, Sarah can develop a sense of trust towards her mother. In Erikson’s first stage, trust vs. mistrust, the crisis is becoming trusting of others by knowing that your needs will be met, because once the baby receives security from a caregiver, their fear—or mistrust——is replaced with trust -
Sarah at the Park: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
Sarah (age 3) is enjoying a day at the park and is being monitored by her parents from a distance to ensure her safety while still allowing Sarah to develop independence. Sarah successfully went down the slide by herself, this made her feel confident. In Erikson's second stage, Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt, the crisis is the child's ability to become more independent of their caregivers. Through the development of self reliance and independence, self confidence is also produced. -
Sarah's First Love: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Sarah (age 19) starts her first serious relationship, but she begins to feel she is not putting enough effort into their relationship. She works to clear availability in her busy schedule to spend time with her partner developing a more intimate relationship with him. In Erikson's sixth stage, Intimacy vs. Isolation, the crisis is forming a secure intimate relationship, Sarah has created a relationship in which she feels safe and fulfilled.