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Stage 1
Matilda is just turn 6 months old. She spends 100% of her days being raised by her single mother. Matilda trusts her mother, Bethany, to continuously protect and nourish her.
In the first stage of Erikson's theory, there is a battle of trust vs. mistrust in the first year of life. A child must learn to develop a trust (or mistrust) early on in life, which will continue to affect the relationships they obtain for the duration of their life. -
Stage 5
Matilda (age 18) just began her first semester at a university. She no longer lives with her mother and is putting her first "5-year plan" into motion. She recently began to identify as "bisexual" after learning she could develop intimate feelings with both genders.
Erikson's stage 5 is the stage of identity vs. role confusion. It is defined as an adolescent between age 12 and 18 finding their true identity. This could include their sexual identity, beliefs, and intentions for the future. -
Stage 7
Matilda (age 45) finally opens her own accounting firm alongside her husband, Mark. She currently has 2 children, ages 15 and 12.
In Erikson's stage 7, we go through generativity vs. stagnation. Permanent careers are officially developed, relationships have completely settled down, and the goals you have set when you were younger are finally coming true.