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feels secure and confident; while the child that doesn't, is left with a sense of self-doubt and shame
(Sharkey, 1997).
.

Erikson’s third stage: Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5)

The child begins to explore independently and actively moves around freely. There are so many questions
that the child asks the adult owing to the fact that their language skill is much more developed and their
imagination is running wild, at this time. During this stage; the child's personality builds on imagination.
This stage is characterized by the child’s eagerness to learn quickly; through social interactions with other
children, they begin to be involved in various creative mind searching activities. The important event in
this stage is the independence of activities. When the environment is inviting and encourages the child to
be free and independent; the child develops a sense of initiative and security. If the child is restricted and
not allowed to use his or her imagination, they begin to develop a sense of guilt and may feel like an
annoyance to others (Boeree, G. C. 1997).

Erikson’s fourth stage: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12)

The child enters elementary school and is exposed to new social role and society’s technology; teachers
and adults should urge the child into creative, adventurous thinking in order to explore things they never
thought they could. Successful experiences bring about a sense of industry while failure causes a child to
have a sense of inferiority (Boeree, G. C. 1997).

Erikson’s fifth stage: Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18)

This is the period of self-discovery, there will be a strong ego identity if past experiences are integrated
and past crisis resolved. There is a formation of peer relationships and weak ego is likely to cause
confusion at this stage (Andrea, 2012).

Erikson’s sixth stage: Intimacy vs. Isolation (19-40)

A person pursues various personal goals and psychological intimacy with another person; inability to
intimately relate to others spells trouble, the person may develop a feeling of isolation and loneliness
Boeree, G. C. (2006).

Erikson’s seventh stage: Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65)

Career and family are still a focus at this stage. The person’s success is often associated with a feeling that
a younger generation benefitted from their contribution in leading useful and productive lives. Failure to
assist the younger generation would make them feel stagnant (Andrea, 2012).

Erikson’s seventh stage: Integrity vs. Despair (65 to death)

The person reflects on the events of their past life. There will be regrets and satisfaction depending on the
life they’ve lived. If a person is content with their accomplishments; they will feel a sense of integrity and
if not, the feeling of bitterness and despair will set in Boeree, G. C. (2006).

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