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Victoria's Identity: Identity versus Identity Confusion
Victoria (age 17) always had an interest in the medical field because her parents are both surgeons. She admires them, and she dreams of becoming a general surgeon. In the fifth stage of Erikson's psychosocial stages of development, identity versus identity confusion, the issue is the development of the sense of self. The positive outcome is knowing who you are and how you fit in society, whereas not developing a consistent identity is the unsuccessful outcome. -
Victoria's Marriage: Intimacy versus Isolation
Victoria (age 27) and Alex are now wife and husband as of May 23, 2006. In this intimate relationship, they have united both of their individual identities. In Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation, the successful young adult can experience intimacy by sharing personal thoughts and feelings. The unsuccessful adult can end up isolated, unable to form and commit to an intimate relationship with someone. -
Victoria as a Wife and Mother: Generativity versus Stagnation
After getting married and giving birth to twin girls, Victoria (age 40) spends most of her time supporting her husband and raising her children. In Erikson's seventh stage, the crisis is between generativity and stagnation. The positive outcome is generativity, or the ability to give oneself, focusing and providing for others. The negative outcome is stagnation where instead of concerning and caring for others, oneself focuses on one's own needs.
