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Olivia: Infancy (Trust vs. Mistrust)
Olivia is born to parents with substance use disorder and severe alcoholism. As an infant, Olivia is often left alone for long periods of time and her cries of hunger are ignored. She is also not held, comforted, or changed on a regular basis. She develops a great mistrust of her caregivers. Olivia does not trust that adults will be able to meet her needs and she feels that she is not well-loved. Based on Erikson's first stage, she did not develop trust because she was not loved and cared for. -
Olivia: Toddlerhood (Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt)
Olivia is removed from her birth home and placed in a foster home. She does not have any input on whether she would like to change homes and caregivers. She also is not given the opportunity to make decisions about where she lives, what her room and toys look like, what activities the foster family participates in, etc. Frustrated with her lack of autonomy, she acts out and is punished for "bad behavior". She feels shame as a result of being punished and doubts whether or not this is her fault. -
Olivia: Middle Childhood (Industry vs. Inferiority)
Olivia is placed in a new foster home. This foster family constantly tells her that she is "dumb" and that she has developmental delays. They force her to homeschool because they say she is not "smart enough" to be in school with her peers. Olivia feels inferior to other kids her own, age and does not develop an enthusiasm for learning. She also does not develop self-confidence. Based on Erikson's 4th stage, she did not develop a sense of industry because she was not encouraged and well-taught.