-
Katherine's exploration of her imagination; Initiative v. Guilt
Katherine enjoys playing with her younger siblings by making up elaborate and imaginative stories for them to act out. However, whenever Katherine's mother listens in to her and her siblings playing she laughs and Katherine begins to feel embarrassed and ashamed. Erikson's 3rd stage of development represents the crisis between developing autonomy and doubt in one's self. -
Katherine's First Relationship; Intimacy v. Isolation
Katherine begins her first romantic relationship with Steve because she feels she can fully be herself around him and she enjoys spending time with him. In Erikson’s fifth stage of development, intimacy and isolation are in conflict as the person decides whether to share oneself or to close oneself off. -
Katherine helps to foster joy in others; generativity v. stagnation
Katherine strikes up a friendship with her neighbor's young daughter Naomi and allows her to plant whatever she wants in her garden. Katherine's kindness and encouragement toward Naomi leaves a lasting impression on Naomi and Katherine is proud to be able to help the young girl. Erikson's 7th stage focuses on generativity versus stagnation, or the conflict between going outside oneself and flourishing or focusing on oneself and not giving back.