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Jack (age 8 months) was born to Maria. Maria has not developed a maternal bond. She frequently will not attend to his need. Maria does not breastfeed Jack and no longer holds him for feedings. Maria has been leaving Jack with multiple strangers since birth. Jack is withdrawn, frustrated and lonely.
In Erickson's first stage, trust versus mistrust, the crisis is between establishing a bond with a trusted caregiver (trust) and not establishing a bond with a trusted caregiver (mistrust). -
Jack (age 17) is a withdrawn loner. He has very little social interaction with others. He does not participate in activities. Jack is unwilling or unable to explore the world around him, limiting opportunities to discover who he is, his capabilities, or how he fits into society.
In Erickson's fifth stage, identity versus identity confusion,
the crisis is between developing a secure and coherent identity (identity) or the inability to develop a secure and coherent identity (identity confusion). -
Jack (age 27) was married to Jill. Jill divorced Jack four months ago. Jill had hopes that Jack would change and become kind and loving. Jill could not truly pierce Jack's wall of isolation. Jack has increased his use of alcohol since his divorce. He does not drink socially, choosing to drink alone.
In Erickson's sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation,
the challenge is to establish a committed long-term love relationship (intimacy) or to not have an intimate relationship (isolation).
