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The Beginning of Hardship
Jess was born on May 10th in 2000 (now 6 months old) to a mother and father who both struggled with addiction. From early in life, Jess was neglected by her mother who was often too busy to spend time with her and often forgot to feed her.
Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development, Trust versus Mistrust.
The most important stage: In Jess's case, she is being neglected from a young age which will lead to her distrusting caregivers in her future and gives her a negative outlook on life. -
Elementary Years
Jess, now age 10, has been learning a lot in school with extra support from her teachers and her new friends. Erikson's fourth stage of development- Industry versus Inferiority. Despite her rough early childhood, Jess has been able to make friends at school and has to been to excel in school with additional help and support from her teachers. Her teachers describe her as enthusiastic to learn and has been conquering different skills. Jess is successfully developing a sense of industry. -
Promoting the Future of Others
As Jess's career as a PA has come to a close, she has spent more time volunteering at the local shelter that works specifically with troubled young women.
This is Erikson's seventh stage: Generatively versus Stagnation
Jess has chosen gnerativifty over stagnation and has shifted her focus from herself and her family to helping others. She works mostly with young girls from broken homes, much like Jess. She provides them with general health care and smaller things, such a help with homework.