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Anna's Nightly Baths
Anna (6 months) splashes around in her small tub filled with warm water while her mom gently washes her. In Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, the crisis is between the infant establishing trust or mistrust with their main caregiver. Consistent, predictable, and reliable behavior can inspire hope in the infant which helps form trust with the caregiver and in future activities, where as not developing this trust (or mistrusting the caregiver) can lead to fear in the future. -
Anna's First Steps
Anna (1 year old) took her first steps on her own today, walking unassisted, from mom to dad, being showered with praise for her accomplishment. In Erikson's second stage, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Anna is learning to walk, if only for a few steps, unassisted. This helps to build her confidence so she can be secure in her own abilities instead of feeling like she has to be dependent upon others to accomplish things. -
Anna's 4th Birthday
Anna (4 years) has friends come over to play and they pretended to be ballerinas getting ready for a ballet. In Erikson's third stage, Initiative vs. Guilt, Anna starts to become more social with other children her age and engaged in imaginative play and games, giving herself a sense up purpose. Had her parents scolded her about pretending to be a ballerina she may start to doubt her ability to instigate activities, in turn causing her to loose initiative. -
Anna's Ballet Practice
Anna (10 years) practicing with the other ballerinas in her class for the upcoming presentation of the Nutcracker. In Erikson's fourth stage, Industry vs. Inferiority, Anna is practicing for the Nutcracker, along with her other teammates to help demonstrate to her teacher that she is able to competently perform in the ballet. Not getting reassurance from her teacher may make her question whether or not she can perform up to her teachers standards. -
Anna's Body Starts to Change
Anna (13 years) just started her period for the first time and is experiencing anxiety about how her body has been starting the change, wondering if she'll still be able to "fit in" to the role of a ballerina. In Erikson's fifth state, Identity vs. Role Confusion, Anna is becoming more aware of her changing body shape and is worried that she may no longer meet the "perfect" body requirements. She starts to question whether she should choose a different path than ballet. -
Anna's First Boyfriend
Anna (18 years) starts to share herself with others outside her family. In Erikson's seventh stage, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Anna is starting to experiment with intimate contact with other people in search of what she needs to sustain a successful relationship, in turn, providing her with happiness and care. If she were to keep herself isolated from others she may start to suffer from loneliness and depression.
