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Jennifer's Birth: Trust vs. Mistrust
Jennifer was born to a single mother with a history of substance abuse, minimal resources, and no support. She is very inconsistent and unreliable, and she cannot maintain employment or a stable home. Jennifer's mom quickly becomes overwhelmed with the demands of a newborn & rejects her. In Erikson's first stage, trust vs. mistrust, it is crucial that infants develop a trusting relationship with their caregiver to view the world as a safe place & build trust in other people. -
Jennifer's Third Birthday: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
Jennifer is three & has not met her developmental milestones; she is reluctant to try new things & demonstrates a lack of self-will. Jennifer is often fearful, but she is perceived as shy. During her celebration at daycare, Jennifer feels confused & ashamed, so she isolates herself from the group. In Erikson's second stage, autonomy vs. shame/doubt, it is crucial that toddlers are raised in a secure environment, where individual learning skills are developed to increase confidence & autonomy. -
Jennifer Begins Kindergarten: Initiative vs. Guilt
As Jennifer begins Kindergarten, she remains withdrawn, often feels ashamed, struggles with completing tasks independently, & has difficulty concentrating. Jennifer encounters conflict & begins to demonstrate aggressive behavior. In Erikson's third stage, initiative vs. guilt, children need to feel the world is trustworthy to become independent & comfortable asserting control over their environment & initiate play; the inability to do so may result in a feeling of personal failure & guilt.