-
Trust Vs. Mistrust
At one year old Chelsy cried in her crib and yelled "mama". Her mother came into the room, comforted her, and changed her diaper before rocking her back to bed. This taught Chelsy to trust her mother, and that when she screamed she would be responded to. In Erikson's first stage (trust vs. mistrust) the crisis is between trusting caregivers vs. not trusting caregivers. -
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Chelsy (age 3) chose a princess costume to wear for the day. Despite Chelsy's tantrum, her mother forced her to change because she did not view it as proper Independence Day (USA) attire. As a result Chelsy did not feel the autonomy she was seeking and felt shame. During Erikson's second stage Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt children seek to make their own decisions and do things themselves crisis can occur when input is not given as the sense of independence is lessened creating doubt. -
Initiative Vs. Shame and Guilt
Chelsy (age 5) took ballet classes because that is what her parents chose, despite her asking for other activities. She felt guilty for wanting to do other activities and not wanting to take ballet like her parents wished. In Erikson's 3rd stage "Initiative vs. Shame and Guilt" the crisis is when children gain more independence and ambition, if this is stifled children may develop feelings of shame or guilt, and may not speak up about likes and dislikes later in life. -
Industry vs. Inferiority
Chelsy (age 12) recieved a "C" on an algebra test. When she asked her peers how they did many of them received "A"s. This made Chelsy feel inferior. During Erikson's 4th stage "initiative vs. guilt" crisis arises when adolescents compare themselves with their peers and determine if they are inferior, at group level or excelling. -
Indentity Vs. Role Confusion
Chelsy (age 14) experiments with wearing all black clothes and painting her fingernails black, two weeks later she wears cowboy boots and pants and starts listing to country music.In Erikson's 5th stage 'Identity vs. Role Confusion" young adults experiements with their sense of self. The crisis is developing a strong sense of self versus adapting a sense of self that is given to them, despite feelings of apathy towards it. -
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Chelsy (age 28) decides to move in with her boyfriend after dating for one year. They have decided to share their lives together and make a commitment to living together. In Erikson's 6th stage 'Intimacy vs. Isolation' the crisis is between remaining alone versus sharing oneself with another person. -
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Chelsy (age 45) begins to volunteer teaching adaptive snowboarding in her spare time. She finds it rewarding to teach skills to a risk based group, and feels good passing on wisdom to people. In Erikson's 7th stage crisis is between leaving a mark on society in a meaningful way vs the possibility of dying without having contributed. -
Integrity vs. Dispair
Chelsy buys a mountain cabin near a ski area and retires with her husband. Grandchildren and children visit often. When she reflects on her life she is happy and feels like she made an impact on the world. In Erikson's 8th life stage "Integrity vs. Dispair" the crisis is whether a person views their life as 'well lived' or 'wasted'.