-
Period: to
Amber- Infancy
Amber comes from a poor family with several children. She was loved and cared for, but by several different people as her parents were not always around. Because of this, her attachment mechanisms are not very secure. Erikson's first stage, (infancy--trust vs mistrust) explains that failure to establish a strong bond with a primary caregiver off the bat can lead to negativity in later years... according to our text, lack of basic trust in infancy can lead to mistrust and doubt later in life. -
Period: to
Amber-Early Childhood
When Amber started school, she began to make friends. When it came to group activities, instead of being able to plan and put into action, she often times found herself feeling at a loss, frustrated and sometimes guilty or discouraged for being unable to initiate. This is a prime example of Erikson's third stage (initiative vs. guilt). B/c she was not always stimulated or encouraged as a child, her initiative skills may be weak and in turn effecting her performance in school or social settings. -
Period: to
Amber-Adolescence
As the years went on Amber struggled finding her place socially. There were phases of colored hair just to cut it off just to grow it back out & die it again. Some days she wore baggy dark clothes & others she wore dresses. She partook in activities she knew she didn't like, but was searching to feel right. This is representative of the fifth stage of life-adolescence; the time where a person is supposed to develop awareness of who they are. Ambers childhood set her up for identity confusion. -
Period: to
Amber-Early Adulthood (Intimacy vs. Isolation)
As Amber grew up in the adult world, she struggled in relationships. She slept around a lot & had a hard time committing.Her guard was up & she was not open to being vulnerable w/other humans...This left her isolated & alone most of her 20's w/out thoughts of marriage or lifetime happiness in sight. The preface of this sixth stage began in Amber's infancy- her insecure attachment mechanisms lead on to unwillingness to be open & trusting, which reflects in her inability to be seriously committed. -
Period: to
Amber-Middle Adulthood (Generativity vs. Stagnation)
As her friends around her grow up, start families, & plan for the future, Amber finds herself still trying to plan for her... She feels like if she can't even figure out what she is doing, how can she plan for another person? Her relationships are not of much value or depth. Her decisions & mindset are still very selfish... She complains of stagnation but has no intention of progression or generosity. Because of her childhood and infancy, her life is STILL being affected in the seventh stage.