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Industry vs Inferiority
When I was in elementary school, my parents praised me when I received good grades. Their positive encouragement gave me confidence and made me an eager student (industry). This is an example of Erikson's fourth stage, industry vs inferiority. A possible crisis is not receiving any praise, or being reprimanded too harshly if expectations are not met. This could lead to feelings of inferiority, and loss of confidence. -
Identity vs Identity Confusion
High school was difficult for me, because I felt immense pressure to figure out what I wanted to do when I "grew up." My life experiences were limited to school. I felt lost and uncomfortable in my "own skin" (identity confusion) until young adulthood, when I left home and became independent (identity). This is an example of Erikson's fifth stage, identity vs identity confusion. A possible crisis is my identity exploration was slowed, because my high school years were so limited. -
Intimacy vs Isolation
My partner and I are planning to get married in 2021 (intimacy). This is an example of Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy vs isolation. A possible crisis is having "commitment phobia," and thus an inability to have a meaningful, healthy and serious relationship (isolation).