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Infancy: Birth - 2 years old
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Stage 1: Trust vs Mistrust
Max (6 months) cries due to being wet and hungry yet his mother repeatedly ignores his pleas for nutrition, comfort, and affection.
In Erikson’s first stage, oral-sensory, the crisis is trust vs mistrust. Max will carry that he can't trust others to care for his needs in future relationships. -
Stage 2: Autonomy vs Shame
Max (2) is waited on hand and foot by his grandmother after being taken away from his neglectful mother. Grandma dresses, feeds, and carries Max, even though Max is very capable of doing these things on his own.
In Erikson’s second stage, muscular-anal, the crisis is autonomy vs shame and doubt. Max’s grandmother is inhibiting Max’s ability to learn independence and may lead to Max’s co-dependency on others. -
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Early Childhood: 2-3 years old
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Preschool: 3 - 6 years old
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Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt
Max (5) attends preschool where he is encouraged to explore the world around him. His questioning and thirst for knowledge is supported by his teacher, Ms. Molly. At home, Max’s Grandfather punishes Max for his inquisitive nature and he is told not to question his Elders.
In Erikson’s third stage, locomotor, the crisis is initiative vs guilt. Max will take initiative and feel confident when asking questions but may refrain from doing so to prevent the feeling of guilt for being a nuisance. -
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School Age: 6-11 years old
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Stage 4: Latency
Max (8), despite his rough start in life, has become an excellent student and is placed in an advanced math class. On a recent test, Max receives a poor grade and becomes very upset. He feels that he will likely never do well on another exam.
In Erikson’s fourth stage, Latency, the crisis is industry vs inferiority. Max’s inability to cope with receiving poor grades will lead to Max feeling of inferior to his peers who continue to excel.
