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Claire Uses the Bathroom by Herself: Autonomy versus Shame/Doubt
Claire (age 3), decides to try and use the bathroom alone for the first time. She was able to do it and proudly informed her mom. In Erikson's second stage, autonomy vs shame/doubt, the crisis is between being able to take care of basic individual needs (autonomy) and being ashamed of the inability to do so (shame) or doubting themselves due to prevention from parents (doubt). -
Claire Declares Her Major: Identity versus Role Confusion
After taking general classes for her freshmen year in college, Claire (age 19) decides she wants to become a teacher and declares education as her major. In Erkison's fifth stage, identity vs role confusion, the crisis is between discovering and living accordingly to one's values, beliefs, interests and goals (identity), and not being sure of themselves and their place in society (role confusion). -
Claire's New Class: Generativity versus Stagnation
Claire (44) is excited to meet and teach her new students for her 4th grade class this year. Claire has been a teacher for almost two decades and enjoyed every minute of it as she does her best to guide her young students towards bright futures. In Erkison's seventh stage, generativity vs stagnation, the crisis is finding meaning in their work and giving back to society for the future (generativity) and failing to think any contributions are being made (stagnation).
