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Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage, and occurs from birth to around 18 months. This stage is all about learning how to trust, so it's definitely the most important. If a child does NOT learn to trust their caregivers, they will grow up fearful and unsure of new relationships. Children learn how to trust their caregivers during this stage through things such as diaper changes, feedings, and being taken care of in general. "Human babies depend on others for food, protection, and their very lives for a far longer period than the young of most other mammals. How do human infants—with their need for extended maternal care—come to trust their needs will be met? According to Erikson (1950), early experiences are the key." (Child, G. Martorell, pg. 150) I asked my mom how I was as a baby and she told me that I never really cried, but when I did, she would always pick me up and soothe me. This demonstrates that I learned how to Trust my mom. I depended on her to take care of my needs and soothe me and she followed through, so I learned to trust her.

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This is the second stage and is also a very important one. Autonomy vs. Shame + Doubt will lead to children developing the ability to stray from their caregivers constant supervision, learning to manage their own needs. This stage occurs between 18 months and about 3 years of age. If the child DOES NOT learn they will be unsure in their abilities. This can lead to the fear of trying new things and a lack in confidence. "The strength that emerges during this stage is will. As children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent." (Child, G. Martorell, pg. 157) As a child I remember being constantly scolded and told what to do, I've never really been sure of anything and I especially lack confidence in everyday decisions. As an adult I'm slowly learning to be confident in myself but as a child I didn't have this ability. This demonstrates that Shame + Doubt won, as I am insecure and lack confidence in my survival skills.

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Initiative vs. Guilt is the third stage, and is about children taking control over their environment and asserting themselves. This stage occurs from about 3 to 5 years of age. When a child DOES NOT learn this, they might feel guilty for wants and desires or might even have a lack of self initiative. Children learn from their mistakes and develop self confidence during this stage. "Children who learn how to regulate these opposing drives develop the virtue of purpose, the courage to envision and pursue goals without being unduly inhibited by guilt or fear of punishment." (Child, G. Martorell, pg. 210) As a child most of my mistakes were critiqued heavily, and as a result I felt guilty for a lot of things other kids would find normal. I never wanted to explore new things on my own, my parents had to invite me to before I expressed an interest in something new. I struggled socially as well. This demonstrates that Guilt won over Initiative.

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Stage four is all about children learning their self worth and how to compare their abilities to their peers. They learn how to evaluate their own worth and abilities and then compare themselves to peers. This stage occurs in childhood (5 to 12). If a child DOES NOT learn this, then they may feel inferior to their peers, leading to not believing in their abilities. "If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks." (Child, G. Martorell, pg. 275) As a kid my parents praised me for my abilities and skills, leading to high confidence and belief in my abilities. This demonstrates that Industry won over Inferiority.

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Stage Five - Identity vs. Role Confusion

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Stage Five - Identity vs. Role Confusion

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Stage five is important as it helps one develop their sense of self. This stage is all about learning who you are, what you like, and what your purpose is in life. This stage takes place in adolescence (12 to 18). If one DOES NOT learn this, it may lead to confusion about who they are and where they belong. "Adolescents who resolve the identity crisis satisfactorily develop the virtue of fidelity: sustained loyalty, faith, or a sense of belonging to a loved one or to friends and companions." (Child, G. Martorell, pg. 336) I remember being an adolescent and wanting to know who I was and where I belonged more than anything. I felt the pressure of wanting to fit in with my peers so much that I changed who I was just to fit in, and ended up being confused on who I really was. I wasn't given the space to properly be myself and as a result, Role Confusion won over Identity.

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Intimacy vs. Isolation is about learning how to form consensual, reciprocated relationships with others. This stage takes place in early adulthood (18 to 40). Those in this stage learn how to love others and make sacrifices in a relationship. If one HAS NOT learned this, or has failed to learn previous stages, they might end up isolated and alone. This is a stage I am still in, personally. Love is hard and complicated! Being with my fiancée is wonderful though we have our challenges. I hope that Intimacy wins over Isolation.

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Stage Seven - Generativity vs. Stagnation

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Stage Seven - Generativity vs. Stagnation

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Stage seven is all about leaving a positive mark on the world, or putting good things into the world. This stage occurs in middle adulthood (40 to 65). During this stage, one will focus on building their live. This might mean a career for some or nurturing a family for others. Overall, it is about contributing to society. If one DOES NOT learn this, they may feel stagnant, as if they are not useful in society. They may feel unproductive or empty inside. I am not old enough to experience this stage yet, but I hope to be Generative rather than Stagnant.

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This stage is the last stage and is all about reflecting on one's life. It occurs from age 65 to death. If one DOES NOT learn this, they may feel unfulfilled. They may also feel as if their life was worthless or like they have accomplished nothing, or may even be afraid of death. People look back on their lives and feel a sense of accomplishment during this stage. It may be from raising a family or having a successful career. I hope to experience Ego Integrity rather than Despair.