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Scanlan’s Preschool Dilemma: Initiative versus Guilt
At age four, Scanlan does not wish to participate in music class for fear that he will not play the recorder well.
In Erickson’s third stage, which deals with initiative versus guilt, the crisis is between a child’s want to attempt new things, enterprise/imagine, and use new skills (initiative,) versus the shame of failing or not pleasing adult figures (guilt). -
Scanlan Choosing Music: Identity versus Role Confusion
When he is 16, Scanlan chooses to prioritize his passion for music by joining a band.
In Erickson’s fifth stage of identity versus role confusion, the crisis is between seeking to establish one’s sense of self and uniqueness (the ego identity), versus being confused about one’s role in life including a lack of confidence in oneself and an inability to seek out one’s interests, roles, and talents. -
Scanlan Becomes and Active Parent: Generativity versus Stagnation
At the age of 45 Scanlan begins to take an active role in his daughter’s life by participating in her extra-curricular actives and teaching her how to play guitar.
Erickson’s seventh stage involves generativity versus stagnation. The crisis in this stage is between the need for adults to have something outlast them (such as parenting or developing relationships), and the failure to find a way to contribute to the world around them (by being selfish, or not improving oneself ).