erikson timeline

  • INITIATIVE VS GUILT

    Ashley (age 4) participated in a group art project with her classmates. This is about balancing a child's eagerness to take action and make plans (initiative) with the potential of also feeling guilty if their efforts are unsuccessful (guilt). This means learning to pursue goals all while accepting limitations.
  • IDENTITY VS ROLE CONFUSION

    Ashley (age 14) is experimenting with different social groups and different activities, like playing basketball. The central struggle in adolescence is navigating the crisis of (identity vs. role confusion). Teens explore various paths to define who they are and what brings a clear sense of self.
  • INTIMACY VS ISOLATION

    Ashley (age 30) is now preparing to tie the knot with her loved one. The ability to form close, loving relationships and sharing yourself with another is intimacy. Isolation is a feeling of being and disconnected from others.