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Infant trust vs mistrust
Tom, an infant, only trusts his mother and close family because they provide care/food. It's evident he does not trust his older siblings, who tend to joke with him by pretending to feed Tom, then putting the food away. Tom only trusts the primary caregiver because they provide food/general care. The infant will look at the world and the people around them with a sense of egocentrism, which can be explained when an unknown person does not positively contribute to the child's benefit. (mistrust) -
Identity vs Role confusion
Tom, later in life, at the age of 17, has not developed a sense of identity. Later in life, he may have trouble being in a relationship or understanding where he fits within society. Identity is how a person sees themselves within society; the benefit of completing this stage includes having a unique sense of self and where you lie within society. Children unable to try out different identities within their life may not know where they fit within the workplace, society, or in a relationship. -
Integrity vs Despair
Tom is 83 years old and on his deathbed, dying of cancer. He is surrounded by the ones he loves and faces the crisis of integrity vs despair. He lived a full life, filled with happiness and 5 wonderful children, and a long marriage. Tom also acknowledges he has hurt people by doing/saying selfish things and deeply regrets what he has done. (despair) This life stage is a time for someone to look back on their life and reflect on how they have lived a good life, and how they may have faltered.