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Trust vs Mistrust
Edward (Age 2) has spent the early years of his life being raised by his grandmother who works two jobs and is barely able to care for him. His father left his mother before his birth and his mother died giving birth to him. As a result, Edward has had an inconsistent and unreliable care system. In Erikson's first stage, trust vs mistrust, the crisis is between being able to trust others and development of hope via stable care system or the downstream development of fear during a future crisis. -
Intimacy vs Isolation
Edward (Age 40) spends most of his days alone and isolated. He has trust issues which have prevented him from staying in long-term relationships. At this point, he does not believe in love. In Erikson's sixth stage, Intimacy vs Isolation, the crisis is between developing long-term relationships with people outside of your family or keeping your walls up to avoid commitment of any kind, leading to a life of loniness and isolation. -
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Edward (Age 60) now owns his own business helping care for infant children who are unable to have consistent care at home. He has found his purpose in life and enjoys giving back to the society. In Erikson's seventh stage, generativity vs. stagnation, the crisis is between establishing careers and giving back to the community (generativity) or failing to be a productive human being and becoming stagnant.
