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Birth
Pearl, the first child in her family, was from small Midwest town. She received a lot of attention from her mother who stayed at home to care for her. In Erikson’s trust vs. mistrust stage, children who receive consistent, positive responses from their caregivers and those around them, develop a sense of security within their surrounding environment. If needs aren't met, they experience a crisis by not trusting those around them. (Image from www.shorpy.com/files/images/Pam_in_a_tub.preview.jpg) -
Applies for college
Pearl decided to apply to architecture school even though her career prospects were mostly limited to becoming a secretary, teacher or nurse. She didn't know if those could make her happy and felt she could do more. In Erikson’s identity vs identity confusion stage, adolescents attempt to establish an identity within their cultural context. If they are not able, a crisis occurs and they experience identity confusion. (Image from: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5724/23999840932_a800d5da32_m.jpg) -
Gets married!
Pearl married Carl, a coworker close to her age she met while working for an architecture firm on the west coast. They cared for each other deeply, provided each other emotional support and enjoyed eachother's company. In Erikson’s intimacy vs isolation stage, young adults work to find a partner with whom to share their life. Without this intimate relationship, they become isolated. (Image from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/12/40/60/124060c398a5b566e01ef03668d98288.jpg) -
Retirement!
Pearl retired and decided to volunteer with a recycling program because she thought it improved the quality of life for younger generations. Erikson’s generativity vs stagnation stage occurs in middle adulthood; those who decide to find a cause they feel will benefit future generations experience generativity. Without finding this new focus and becoming self-absorbed, they experience stagnation. (Photo: www.ecouterre.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/eco-erek-recycling-2-537x402.jpg)
