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Lily's Independence: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Emma (Lily's mother) allows Lily (age 2) to pick out her clothes to wear in the morning, carry a glass to the table and encourages toilet training . In Erikson's second stage, the crisis is between being supported by a caregiver when learning independence and a caregiver not supporting the child's efforts, which leads to doubtfulness and incompetence. -
Lily Excels in Soccer: Industry versus Inferiority
Lily (age 10) begins to excel in soccer as she learns new skills. In Erikson's fourth stage, children begin to learn and master new skills. Those who excel feel a sense of pride, especially when receiving praise from others. Children who do not work on developing skills, who receive little to no praise, and instead are criticized, begin to feel inferior to their peers. -
Lily has Kids: Generativity versus Stagnation
Lily (age 40) focuses on raising her three children, while volunteering at their schools. During Erikson's seventh stage, people start to focus on contributing to society. Generativity, term given by Erikson, is when people begin to feel that they are contributing to society and others. Stagnation, is when the person is not involved and show limited interests and end up feeling disconnected and unproductive, according to Erikson.