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Orphanage: Trust versus mistrust
At age 1, Ann was dropped off by her birth parents at an orphanage because they decided that they did not want to have a child anymore. In Erikson's first stage, trust versus mistrust, the crisis is between being able to establish a connection with a loving guardian or not having that relationship ever established causing mistrust to develop. -
Realization: Autonomy versus shame and doubt
Ann has been watching television and realized that she does not have a mother or father. This caused her to ask questions and act out. The orphanage started to have problems with Ann and they decided to put restraints on her. Since the orphanage put restraints on Ann it made it more difficult for her to make decisions on her own and develop independence. In Erikson's second stage, autonomy versus shame and doubt, the crisis is between developing self independence or having issues with doubt. -
Marriage: Intimacy versus isolation
At age 27, Ann married the love of her life, Michael, who she met in the orphanage. They grew up together and undersood each other's life very well so they decided to tie the knot. In Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation, the crisis is between being committed in a relationship emotionally with another human being or end up being alone. -
Ann's goodbye: Ego integrity versus despair
At age 68, Ann passed away from lung cancer.She started smoking cigarettes at a young age not realizing that it could cause so many problems. As she reflected, she overcame many obstacles and was pleased with her life but regretted ever starting smoking cigarrettes. In Erikson's eighth stage, ego integrity versus despair, the crisis is between a satisfying life even through difficult choices and the regret on certain life choices that a person wishes that they can change even though they cannot.
