Erik Erikson Case Study: Chrystell

Ryan Serrano

Case Study #2

Erik Erikson Case Study: Chrystell

1.        The crisis that Chrystell experienced according to Erik Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development was when her mother responded to her as a baby providing for her physical needs as well as showing love. (insert backup from book) Her mother nursed her whenever she needed it which allowed mother and daughter to create a close bond. This bond gave way to the start of a lifelong relationship through developing trust on both ends. Her mother was able to get ample sleep which allowed her to maintain the bond of nursing her baby, to feel confident that her baby was taken care of and Chystell was able to maintain confidence that her mother would take care of her. Her mother was very successful in negotiating this first crisis which developed hope for her baby that all future needs will be met. This is demonstrated through the fact that Chrystell never cried for food nor was any trouble.

2.        The crisis that Chrystell experienced during Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development is found during her potty training. This crisis was negotiated through Chrystell finding joy in using the potty through her mother not forcing her nor embarrassing her for accidents. (insert backup from book) Her mother believed that children will eventually learn control in this aspect of life at their own rate instead of  at a preordained time. Therefore her mother helped negotiate this crisis in that she allowed ample amount of time as well as making this experience within a non-stressful environment. This technique resulted in Chrystell being potty trained at an early age due to the fact that she was given an option to either use the potty or not. The outcome of negotiating this crisis smoothly gave independence to the child as well as allowing her to transition into the next stage without any hassle.

3.        The crisis that Chrystell experienced during Erikson's third stage of psychosocial development is shown in her activities during play where her parents allowed options instead of forcing the child to play with particular toys. During this stage Chrystell went off on her own finding things that she enjoyed playing with. (insert backup from book)  I believe that she negotiated this crisis mostly on her own in that she already had high hopes and a trusting relationship with her mother which allowed her a strong base for conquering this crisis. The outcome of Chrystell's resolution during this stage gave way for her to be able to be ready for the fourth stage.