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Ten-year-old Rebecca finds math a difficult subject and struggles with her math homework. However, she seeks help from her teacher and receives encouragement from her parents, therefore, boosting her self-confidence. In this stage, children develop skills and manage challenges and successes. When children have the resources and support, they feel more confident in their abilities, whereas children who don’t receive a positive environment for their efforts feel incapable and inferior. -
Sixteen-year-old Rebecca loves animals and volunteers at an animal shelter every weekend. She decides she wants to be a veterinarian because it aligns with her passion for animals. In Erikson’s fifth stage, teens go through experiences to develop their sense of self and their direction in life. Teens who were encouraged to explore their interests and curiosities may have a greater sense of identity, whereas teens who were discouraged from may feel unsure of where they fit in. -
Twenty-two-year-old Rebecca struggles with emotional vulnerability with her boyfriend due to her fear of abandonment from past relationships. This leads to misunderstandings and loneliness in the relationship. In Erikson’s sixth stage, creating healthy relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners creates close and meaningful connections. However, failure to form those relationships may create a greater sense of loneliness and difficulty in forming meaningful connections.