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Infancy: Trust vs. Mistrust
Bob is born into a loving family. Everyday he is cared for, fed, and taken great care of by his mother and father. Out of these first nurturing relationships, Bob gains a sense of trust of those around him and starts off life with an optimistic view of the world. -
Early Childhood: Initiative vs. Guilt
Bob's mother has decided that Bob is at an age where he can undertake and learn new tasks in a structured environment. As a result, Bob attends his first piano lesson. At first, Bob thrives learning simple songs and he gains a sense of confidence and autonomy. However, as the sheet music gets harder Bob starts to struggle and practice less than when he initially started. As a result, his piano teacher gently chastises Bob for his lack of piano practice, causing Bob to have feelings of doubt. -
Middle Childhood: Industry vs. Inferiority
Bob has now been playing piano for 5 years. He comes from a musical family and finds a sense of belonging and enthusiasm when he plays. He also has a sense of superiority when he compares his musical abilities to other students in his class who have no musical abilities. Bob boasts to his parents that he wants to continue playing piano until he is good enough to be a professional pianist at Carnegie Hall. As a result, Bob dilligently practices piano 2 hours everyday. -
Adolescence: Identity vs. Identity Confusion
Bob is now a member of an elite symphony group in his town. His life consists of going to school, going to symphony practice, and participating in symphony productions. Bob hates his life. He has grown weary of piano playing and no longer finds joy in it as he did when he was a child. As a result, Bob feels disconnected from his parents (who always pressured him to continue his piano), and finds himself lacking an identity. For so many years, piano defined him, now he is unsure who he is.