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Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Yoshiko passed away with her husband of 55 years and son by her side. Looking back she realized she had 4 wonderful children and 5 healthy grandchildren, but she still had some regrets. In Erikson’s eighth stage of ego integrity versus despair, the crisis is between accepting how ones life has turned out by her actions despite the difficulties or wishing she could somehow change her past in hope to modify the how her life has ended. -
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Jackson and April got married because they loved each other, and wanted to spend their lives together. They also wished to start a family. In Erikson's fifth stage, intimacy vs. isolation, the crisis is between becoming one and connecting on a deeper level with your partner or staying alone and not being able to have a real connection with anyone but yourself. -
Trust vs. Mistrust
On this day, Cayden came into the world. As he adjusted to the world outside the womb of crazy noises and blurry images. Cayden looked to me, his mother, a familiar voice for stability and care. In Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, the crisis is between the development of trust that a mom will tend efficiently to her child's everyday needs or her being unreliable and inconsistent in her child's care will lead to mistrust. Either outcome can effect the child's future relationships. -
Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
Cayden is starting potty training. He has been able to keep a dry diaper for more than a couple hours the last few week. In Erikson's second stage, Autonomy vs. Shame, the crisis is between being able to control his bladder for a few hours and make it to the toilet in time or not saying anything and not making it to the toilet in time and feeling ashamed for wetting his pants.
