-
Infancy: Trust vs Mistrust
Abi (8 months), is a very needy baby, but with time and a responsive mother, she is learning that her needs will be met as soon as possible.
Erikson's first stage, trust vs mistrust, is the crisis that an infant faces between trusting their caregiver or mistrusting them to meet their needs. -
Early Adulthood: Intimacy versus Isolation
Abi, age 20, decides to commit to marrying her present boyfriend of 2 years.
Erikson's fifth stage, intimacy versus isolation, is the crisis of deciding whether to be vulnerable by committing to a relationship, or isolated and lonely by not taking the risk. -
Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs Stagnation
Abi (age 40), is teaching part time while continuing to raise her family of 5 children. She's very invested in making sure the next generation is equipped with the skills they need. Erikson's 7th stage, Generativity versus stagnation, is the crisis between investing in the next generation, or continuing to invest in oneself. Without reinvestment in others comes a loss of purpose and stagnation. -
Late Adulthood: Ego Integrity vs Despair
Abi, age 60, looks back on her life with satisfaction. She's raised a large family and now has many grandchildren to brings a smile to her face and a twinkle to her eye. It was a life well spent. Erikson's final stage, ego integrity vs despair, is the crisis of feeling fulfilled or empty at the end of one's life when there's nothing left to change or do.
