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Stage 1: Trust Vs. Mistrust
6-month-old Jane Doe cried for hours because she was hungry but her mother did not respond to her cries. This caused a lack of trust in Jane. The hope that a need will be met is crucial in stage one and in this case, Jane's needs were not met. -
Stage 4: Industry Vs. Inferiority
7-year-old Jane Doe was picked last during kickball at recess one day. The girls on her team made fun of her and said she was terrible at kickball which is why she was chosen last. When Jane told her mom later that day what the girls had said her Mom agreed that Jane wasn't the most athletic and that's probably why she was chosen last. This made Jane lose her confidence in sports at a young age resulting in her limited participation in sports growing up. -
Stage 5: Identity Vs. Role Confusion
15-year-old Jane Doe started volunteering at a local animal shelter after school. She quickly realized that she was good with animals and decided she wanted to be a veterinarian. She started a pre-vet club at school with her classmates who were also interested in pursuing a veterinary degree after high school. Jane had found her identity and along with it a sense of purpose for her life.