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Initiative v Guilt
Mary brought her mother a flower but was later punished for touching her mother’s garden.
Erikson's third stage, Initiative v Guilt, revolves around children being free to make decisions and do things on their own. If they are criticized like Mary was, they will feel guilt for doing something their parent considers bad. -
Identity v Role Confusion
Mary couldn’t wait to graduate high school and study abroad but her mother convinced her to stay and work her flower shop.
Erikson's fifth stage, Identity v Role Confusion, is the crisis between knowing who you are, finding your place in the world, and not knowing who you are or, in Mary's case, not being able to fulfill that role leading to a life of unhappiness. -
Intimacy v Isolation
Mary met someone kind who wanted to be with her but she knew her mother would never allow it.
Erikson's sixth stage, Intimacy v Isolation, is the struggle between finding love and creating intimacy and closeness with others or avoiding others and isolating yourself. In Mary's case, she chose her mother's approval over her desire to be loved by someone.