The Early Years (Birth–5 Years)
A 6-month-old infant cries when her mother leaves her with a babysitter, but quickly calms down when the mother returns and feeds her.
What is Trust vs. Mistrust?
A 9-year-old works hard on a science fair project to earn a blue ribbon, feeling proud of their ability to produce quality work.
What is Industry vs. Inferiority?
A 28-year-old is worried about being alone forever and is struggling to find a partner for a long-term, committed relationship.
Answer: What is Intimacy vs. Isolation?
Successfully overcoming the 3-6 year old stage (Initiative) leads to this virtue.
What is Purpose?
A 30-year-old is terrified of commitment and keeps jumping between short-term flings.
What is Isolation (Stage 6)?
A 2-year-old insists on choosing their own outfit, even if the clothes don't match, and yells "No!" when parents try to help.
What is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt?
A 15-year-old is constantly changing their friend group, clothing style, and interests to figure out what they truly believe.
What is Identity vs. Role Confusion?
A 45-year-old mentor, volunteers at a local community center, and focuses on raising their children to be good citizens.
Answer: What is Generativity vs. Stagnation?
The virtue achieved by successfully resolving Identity vs. Role Confusion.
What is Fidelity?
A toddler is harshly punished for a potty-training accident, making them fearful of trying new things.
What is Shame and Doubt (Stage 2)?
A 4-year-old child tries to help bake a cake by adding flour, but makes a huge mess. The parent lets them try again instead of scolding them.
What is Initiative vs. Guilt?
A 10-year-old receives negative feedback on all their schoolwork and begins to feel they are not as capable as their peers.
What is Inferiority (result of failure in Stage 4)?
A 70-year-old looks back on their life, feels satisfied with their achievements, and accepts the life they lived without major regrets.
What is Ego Integrity vs. Despair?
This virtue is developed when a child successfully learns to control their physical skills (Autonomy).
What is Will?
A 60-year-old is bitter, complaining daily about "how the world has gone wrong," and fears death intensely.
What is Despair (Stage 8)?
An infant is left in a crib for long periods without stimulation or consistent feeding, leading to a sense of anxiety.
What is Mistrust (result of failure in Stage 1)?
A high schooler decides to ignore peer pressure to join a popular group and instead pursues their passion for painting.
Answer: What is Identity (achieved in Stage 5)?
A 50-year-old feels that their life is meaningless, focusing only on their own comfort and refusing to help younger generations.
What is Stagnation (result of failure in Stage 7)?
The virtue developed in the final stage, reflecting acceptance of life and death.
What is Wisdom?
A 5-year-old organizes a game in the park and invites all the other children to play.
What is Initiative (Stage 3)?
A 3-year-old confidently explores a new preschool classroom, asks questions, invents games with other children, and recovers quickly after being corrected by a teacher.
What is successful resolution of Initiative vs. Guilt?
A 17-year-old reflects on their values, career interests, and cultural background, commits to long-term goals, and resists pressure to abandon those beliefs despite criticism from peers.
What is Identity Achievement (successful resolution of Stage 5)?
A 42-year-old balances a career, parenting, and community involvement, feels fulfilled by mentoring others, and worries about leaving a positive legacy rather than personal success alone.
What is successful Generativity vs. Stagnation?
This virtue emerges when adults successfully form close, committed relationships while maintaining a strong sense of self.
What is Love?
A retired teacher finds meaning by volunteering, mentoring younger educators, and reflecting peacefully on both successes and failures without bitterness.
What is Ego Integrity (Stage 8)?