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Trust vs. Mistrust
Ofelia (6 months old) cries when she is hungry, in need of a diaper change, or tired. Her cries are often met promptly by her mother and other loved ones. She receives warm and loving attention, allowing a strong sense of trust to develop during the first life stage of TRUST VS MISTRUST. In this stage consistent reliable care results in a trust, however, when an infant receives inconsistent and unpredictable care, it results in uncertainty and mistrust. -
Initiative vs. Guilt
Ofelia (4 years old) has a curious mind full of adventure and questions. Her family likes to play it safe, and often times doesn't allow her to explore the way she'd like to. When she asks questions, she seems to bother her family. In this third stage Initiative vs Guilt, a child is who's encouraged to explore and figure things out safely develops initiative. A child whose curiosity is stunted begins to feel a nuisance, being more dominated by guilt than initiative when it comes to exploration. -
Industry vs. Inferiority
Ofelia (9 years old) keeps getting poor grades on her math assignments. Her family is disinterested, and she doesn't seem to get much extra support in math at school either. This is an example of how Inferiority develops in the fourth stage Industry vs Inferiority. Regardless of your capabilities, support and encouragement help instill a sense of competence and industry, whereas a lack of those qualities in ones life results in insecurity and inferiority.