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John's Play Date: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
John is 3 years old and is going to play with several children of his mother's friends. They are going to meet at a park under the supervision of all of the parents. The crisis in the second stage of Erikson's theory, autonomy versus shame and doubt, is that John must be able to make some decisions for himself and start forming identity. If he can't then shame and doubt occur. -
John in Football: Identity versus Identity Confusion
John is 14 and a freshman in high school. He decides to try out for the football team with some of his friends. In Erikson's fifth stage called identity versus identity confusion, John must realize what his capabilities are and how they'll fit into society/culture. If he can't do this, identity confusion occurs. -
John Moving In: Intimacy versus Isolation
John is 24 and is moving in with his long time girlfriend. They found an apartment and are excited about moving in together. Erikson's sixth theory, intimacy versus isolation, the crisis is John risking newly formed identity and entering a long term or intimate relationship. If John can't do that, then isolation occurs.
