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Levi's 1st Month of Life: Trust versus Mistrust
Levi (age 1M) bonding and becoming acquainted with his grandparents, who would become frequent caregivers for him throughout his first year of life. In Erikson's first stage, trust versus mistrust, the crisis is establishing a bond with caregivers to invoke a sense of trust and optimism or not establishing a bond due to the lack of affection leading to fear and doubt (mistrust) for the environment around them. -
Levi's Exploration: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
Levi (age 2) feeling empowered to attempt to unlock the car door using car keys; an action he is imitating. In Erikson's second stage, autonomy versus shame and doubt, the crisis is between feeling a healthy sense of independence (autonomy) to make choices from the encouragement of caregivers or feeling doubt and shame in ones actions due to excessive restrictions from caregivers. -
Levi's Creation: Initiative versus Guilt
Levi (age 5) proudly surprising his mother with a gift that he created. Levi found a few dandelions in his backyard and placed them in a water bottle so they could remain hydrated. In Erikson's third stage, initiative versus guilt, the crisis is between initiating creative activities from acquired skills to invoke positive responses in others or feeling guilt from discouragement of new capabilities thus stifling initiative.