-
Jane's View of the World as an Infant: Trust vs. Mistrust
Jane is an infant at 18 months old. She is starting to learn that regular feedings, consistent affection, and reassurance from her caregivers creates a safe environment. She trusts that the world is safe, her caregivers will be there for her during unsure times, and that her needs will be met. Erikson's First stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, states that children who learn to trust caregivers in infancy are more likely to form trustful relationships with others for the remainder of their lives -
Jane's Autonomy in Adolenscence: Identity vs. Identity Confusion
Jane is now 3 years old, and is starting to practice her autonomy through skills of her own, without the help of her parents. Jane is mostly able to choose what she wants to wear for the day, and decides which foods she likes/dislikes. In Erikson's second stage, Identity vs Identity Confusion, children begin to develop a sense of self-identity and desire control over their own lives, which boosts confidence in their own abilities and creates a greater sense of self identity -
Jane's Love Life: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Jane is now 20 years old, and is traversing dating relationships. The biggest conflict she faces is: Will she be loved in life or be alone? She wishes to maintain a committed, love-based relationship with another. Yet she struggles to find "The One" and suffers with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Erikson's 6th Stage, Intimacy vs. Isolation suggests that establishing these important relationships plays a critical role in a person's emotional well-being.