Chris is 32 years of age and has problems in relationships. Using Erikson’s stag

Erikson’s first stage, basic trust vs. mistrust could be playing a role in Chris’s relationship issues. If his primary caretaker was not responsive or consistent, Chris may have learned not to trust others. As an adult, if trusting others is something he struggles with, then it will eventually interfere with any relationship.

Autonomy vs. shame and doubt could also help explain the relationship difficulties. If Chris never quite developed a sense of independence, that may surface in his adult relationships. Maybe his relationships end because significant others feel he is too needy, dependent, or clingy.

Initiative vs. guilt may underlie his problems. If he tried to take initiative as a child but was made to feel lousy about it, he likely developed a sense of guilt. Maybe as an adult, he experiences guilt in various situations, which could clearly interfere with a relationship. For example, instead of enjoying the relationship when things are going well, he feels guilty about it and therefore sabotages it without being consciously aware he is doing it.

Industry vs. inferiority could explain his difficulties. It is possible that he developed a sense of inferiority after continually being rejected by those around him. That sense of inferiority could be pervading his personality to the point where no one wants to be around him for long once they get to know him.

Identity vs. role confusion could easily explain relationship difficulties. If Chris never really developed or even began searching for a sense of who he is, his relationships will not work. Relationships work and are healthy only if both people have an identity and know what they are all about. Otherwise, one can potentially have no real opinions, values, standards, or likes/dislikes. Once others get to know him, they may lose interest pretty quickly.

Intimacy vs. isolation would be another obvious choice. It is possible that Chris never developed an understanding of intimacy, which is connecting with another person on an emotional level. Maybe his relationships are too superficial. Maybe because of his lack of intimacy, he has trouble committing to the other person in the relationship.

Any one stage could help explain Chris’s relationship difficulties, or it can be any combination of a few or many.