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Trust versus mistrust
Ally (6 months) has developed a strong bond with her older sister, Marie. Marie has been sensitive, responsive, consistent, and protective. In Erikson's first stage, Trust versus mistrust, the crisis is between a person presenting love and protection to an infant (trust) versus being inconsistent and showing no positive emotions towards infants (mistrust) -
Intimacy versus isolation
Justin (22) and Ashley split up because Justin was unable to form an intimate relationship. He did not have a strong enough identity to become emotionally close to Ashley without losing himself. In Erikson's fifth stage, intimacy versus isolation, the crisis is between being vulnerable in a serious relationship (intimacy) or willingly deciding to be alone (isolation). -
Initiative versus guilt
Mackenzie (4 years old) wanted to paint a flower pot for her mothers flowers. Her teacher, Ms. Candice, discouraged her and undermined her in doing so. This caused her to feel anxious about presenting new ideas to her teachers in the future. In Erikson's third stage, Initiative versus guilt, the crisis is promoting the progression of a child (Initiative) versus bringing them down while they're trying to make an activity meaningful (guilt).
