Erikson Timeline Assignment: Life Events of Sue

Initiative Versus Guilt

Jul 13, 1994

Sue (age 5) creates a "lego club" with her neighborhood friends. "Lego club" is a success and very fun for Sue and her friends to meet up to share and play legos. Sue feels good about starting "lego club." In Erikson's 3rd stage, initiative versus guilt, a young child experiments with planning their own activities. If the child is encouraged and succeeds, they grow in taking more initiative. If the child is discouraged, they develop guilt.

Identity Versus Identity Confusion

Mar 9, 2003

Sue (age 14) gets braces. Sue is very self-conscious about her braces and feels like everyone is making fun of her. Her self-esteem declines. In Erikson's fifth stage, identity versus identity confusion, adolescence are trying to figure out what their identity is. Teens who develop a sense of identity understand who they are, their talents, and their place in their culture. Teens who are unable to develop this self-esteem experience identity confusion.

Intimacy Versus Isolation

Dec 24, 2029

Sue (now 40) spent her young adulthood dating, but she is discouraged because all her friends are now married. She is still single and feeling lonely. In Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation, young adults seek intimacy through marriage or a long-term partner. Young adults who do not find this intimacy become isolated.

Generativity Versus Stagnation

Sep 2, 2049

Sue (age 60) never had her own children. However, this did not stop her from sharing her time and talents with the next generation. She regularly volunteers at her local Boys & Girl's Club. In Erikson's seventh stage, generativity versus stagnation, adults in middle adulthood who focus on their own needs stagnate. Adults who focus on sharing their time, talents, love, and treasure with the next generation are generative.