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Erikson’s third stage initiative versus guilt
Summer 1974 Blake Peters (age 4) lives in a rural area. During the summer, his older brother and the neighboorhood kids play in the woods by the house exploring and making up games. His favorite is Robin Hood which was his idea. In Erikson’s third stage initiative versus guilt, the crisis is developing a balance between initiative and guilt. The free play time with other children that Blake experiences help him develop decision making and initiative. -
Erikson’s fifth stage identity versus identity confusion
Blake Peters (age 17) His high school chemistry teacher connects him with a professor at the local university. Blake spends his summer working on a project with one of the professor’s graduate students. His confidence builds along with realizing that he is good at and really enjoys chemistry. He opts to major in chemistry at university. In Erikson’s fifth stage identity versus identity confusion, adolescents figure out where they fit in, who they are, and what they are capable of. -
Erikson’s seventh stage generativity versus stagnation
Blake after a divorce, moves back in with his aging mother to help her. Shortly thereafter, he loses his job at the university due to budget cuts and opts to live off of unemployment to avoid paying alimony. His days are spent watching the game show channel, enjoying his mom’s cooking, and occasionally taking out the trash for her. Erikson’s seventh stage generativity versus stagnation, Blake is too busy feeling sorry for himself and focused inwards so becomes stagnant.