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Initiative V. Guilt
Bobby is 4 years old and on a play date with his mom's best friends little boy, Mark. Bobby was hungry and Mark was eating Goldfish. Without asking Bobby took some Goldfish from Mark. Mark began crying. Both their mom's came over, Bobby's mom told him that he needs to ask before taking something and Mark's mom told Mark it's okay to share if Bobby asks first. Bobby learned to feel guilt for his action of stealing from his mom and is learning how to have a conscience during this time of his life. -
Intimacy V. Isolation
Bobby is 24 and working at a marketing company. One of his coworkers had quit and today his replacement was to start. Her name is Julie. As Bobby got to know her he realized that she shared many of the same views, was funny, and he was attracted to her. They started dating and eventually married. Bobby and Julie had found intimacy and love and were grateful to their job for bringing them together. In Erikson's 6th stage it is a time of finding a relationship and if not then isolation can occur. -
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Bobby and Julie are in their forties and have two children. Their kids are going to school, in sports, and Julie helps in the PTA for their school. In Erikson's seventh stage, a sense of the bigger picture and becoming an active part of society is very important. Without that sense of furthering the community it is easy for one to feel stagnant.
