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Autonomy verses Shame and Doubt
Charlotte is a three year old living in Sacramento California with her mother and father. Her mother is a stay-at-home mom and allows Charlotte to make choices for herself, including picking the book they're going to read before bed, and letting her pick out her own clothes. In Erikson's second stage of autonomy verses shame and doubt, the crisis is between a developed sense of autonomy from being allowed some freedom the make one's own choices, and a sense of shame due to excessive restraint. -
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Identity verses Identity Confusion
Charlotte is now a teenager attending a local high school. She is a popular girl, and enjoys being a cheerleader for her highschool's football team. She knows that women in her society are expected to stay at home while the men work, and she looks forward to being a housewife. In Erikson's fifth stage of identity verses identity confusion, the crisis is between a developed awareness of who one is, and confusion because one is unable to obtain this awarness of identity. -
Generavity verses Stagnation
Charlotte is in her late thirties, and is now a housewife. She dedicated herslef to staying at home when she was younger, but now feels like there is something missing in her life. Charlotte spends her days keeping her house and her apperience in prestine condition to impress her neighbors. In Erikson's seventh stage of generativity verses stagnation, the crisis is between contributing to the next generation, and focusing on one's self to end up in a state of stagnation. -
Ego Integrity verses Dispair
Charlotte is now 75 years-old, and is about to pass away due to lymphoma. reflecting back on her life, she feels a sense of regret because she did not follow her dreams to become a teacher. She spent most of her life maintaining her appearance and catering to her husband, and she neglected her personal dreams. She has major regrets about the life she has lived. In Erikson's eighth stage of ego integrity verses dispair, the crisis is between satisfaction with one's life, and regret over mistakes.
