-
June's Potty-Training Journey: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
At 2 June's parents transitioned her from pull-ups to underwear, which prompted her to recognize her bodily needs. When she had accidents, her parents reacted in an encouraging way creating a supportive environment for her growth. In Erikson's second stage, autonomy versus shame and doubt, the crisis between allowing a child control over their actions and choices (autonomy) and imposing excessive restraint, which can lead to feelings of shame and guilt. -
June's Math Class: Industry versus Inferiority
In third grade, June always raised her hand when teacher asked math questions. However, her teacher never called on her and often picked boys to answer. In Erikson's fourth theory, industry versus inferiority, the crisis is between children encouraged by parents and teachers to develop skills (industry) and children who receive negative feedback or are not allowed to demonstrate their skills (inferiority). -
June's Contribution: Generativity versus Stagnation
At 34 with two children and a job at private non-profit focused on climate change. Her role as a mother and climate activist, resulted in a sense of meaningful impact on the world by shaping it for the future generation. In Erikson's seventh theory, generativity versus stagnation, the crisis between feeling one is making valuable contributions to the next generation (generativity) and those who fail to contribute and become disconnected or self-absorbed (stagnation).