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Michelle (age 14) gets good grades in school but is made fun of by her peers. In Erickson's fifth stage, identity vs identity confusion, the crisis is between being aware of oneself and how to fit into their culture (identity) versus not finding themselves in interests and culture (identity confusion). -
Michelle (age 26) has not seen many positive relationships and does not wish to purse an intimate relationship or marriage. In Erickson's sixth stage, intimacy vs isolation, the crisis is between allowing oneself to dedicate their life and emotions to another (intimacy) or focusing on themselves with no regard to an intimate relationship (isolation). -
Michelle (age 46) travels around the globe to supply small villages with vaccinations against deadly viruses and gives health exams for free. In Erickson's seventh stage, generativity vs stagnation, the crisis is between making a difference for generations who will come after by providing resources or care (generativity), or pursing wants and needs that benefit only oneself (stagnation).