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TODDLERHOOD
Heather, a toddler, is given a choice between red blocks and blue blocks. She points to the red blocks, and her mother give the blocks to Heather to play with. In Erikson's second stage, autonomy vs shame and self doubt, the primary crises is between the freedom of a toddler to make their own choices and to establish their own sense of self within their environment, versus when a child is restricted or is given punishments for their choices, resulting in self doubt. -
MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
Heather (9 years old) performs confidently in her annual dance recital. This is her 4th year dancing on stage, and she remembers the chorography well. Her mother attends the recital and praises Heather's performance. In Erikson's fourth stage, industry vs inferiority, the primary crisis is between a child mastering skills within their environment or being unsuccessful in these skills. If a child receives support from their loved ones, they are more likely to experience industry. -
EMERGING ADULTHOOD
Heather (18 years old) is attending her first semester of college. She is currently focusing on her studies and is not involved in a romantic relationship, but is content being single, and she has made several new friends. In Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy vs isolation, the crises appears in finding an intimate relationship and experiencing vulnerability with another person. Isolation occurs when intimacy is not experienced or when healthy relationships are not formed. -
MIDDLE ADULTHOOD
Heather (45 years old) and her husband Steve just attended their daughter's high school graduation Heather, a nurse, and Steve, a successful small business owner, have saved up to send their child to university while still preparing for their own future. In Erikson's 7th stage, generativity vs stagnation, the crises is between supporting future generations or making decisions based only on one's self gain.
