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Stage 1: Trust Vs Mistrust (Infancy to Eighteen Months Old) 

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Stage 1: Trust Vs Mistrust (Infancy to Eighteen Months Old) 

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The first stage in Erikson's psychosocial development theory is trust versus mistrust. In this stage the “Baby develops sense of whether world is a good and safe place” (Martorell, 2023). This stage is extremely important for the healthy development of our children and occurs at infancy and ends at around eighteen months. The development of trust allows the child to have the ability to form intimate and close relationships. Mistrust is also needed for the child to be aware of dangers and the need to protect themselves.  During this stage I developed a sense of basic trust with my mother and grandparents who helped raise me. In contrast I developed a sense of mistrust while interacting with my father and his family/friends. This mistrust was resolved by experiencing love and safety from my mother and her family. It is important that the child experiences a proper amount of both trust and mistrust as both are necessary for healthy development. Trust should be the primary mindset as it allows the child to develop hope. If mistrust is developed more than trust, then it is likely that the child will develop a negative mindset and perception of the world which could easily affect future relationships and lifestyles.

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Stage 2: Autonomy Vs Shame and Doubt (Eighteen Months to Three Years Old)

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Stage 2: Autonomy Vs Shame and Doubt (Eighteen Months to Three Years Old)

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The second stage in Erikson's developmental theory is autonomy versus shame and doubt. At this stage the “Child develops a balance of independence and self-sufficiency over shame and doubt” (Martorell, 2023). Between eighteen months to three years a child begins to become more aware of their own autonomy and starts to express their own self will. This time is often referred to as the "terrible twos" because the child starts to push boundaries with the parent or caregiver. This is why the concepts of shame and doubt are important in this stage of development. Without these emotions, the child would experience no restriction which would obviously lead to situations that could cause harm. During this age I was developing a sense of autonomy. This is shown by having a desire to feed or groom myself without any help. I experienced doubt and shame through the corrections of my parents, which allowed me to experience restrictions for my safety. This was resolved by learning what is and isn’t safe for me to do.

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Stage 3: Initiative Vs Guilt (Three Years Old to Six Years Old)

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Stage 3: Initiative Vs Guilt (Three Years Old to Six Years Old)

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The third stage of Erikson's psychosocial development is initiative versus guilt which occurs from three to six years old. During this stage the “Child develops initiative when trying new activities and is not overwhelmed by guilt” (Martorell, 2023). At this point in time the children are growing with a sense of curiosity and the want of social approval. They are learning what they can and cannot do and the social expectations that come with their actions. This stage is important to their proper development because it allows the child to form a sense of self control and incorporate their wants and needs into social expectations. The child must deal with the conflicting emotions of what they want to do and the consequences thereof. At this stage my sense of curiosity and creativity flourished. I experienced the initiative to experience and learn about new things and I experienced guilt through seeking social approval. An example of this would be having an interest in art and then being told that art is not important. I resolved this issue through encouragement from my family members.

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Stage 4: Industry Vs Inferiority (Six Years Old to Puberty)

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Stage 4: Industry Vs Inferiority (Six Years Old to Puberty)

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The fourth stage of Erikson's psychosocial development is Industry versus inferiority. During this stage the “Child must learn skills of the culture or face feelings of incompetence” (Martorell, 2023). This stage occurs from six years old to puberty and has a great effect on a child's self-esteem. In this stage children learn the skills needed to be productive. If the children do not learn these skills that are required by society, then they will acquire a sense of inferiority. It is important in this stage, as in every other stage, to encourage and praise children using words of affirmation. If a child develops an inferiority complex then these feelings can affect the child long-term in relationships, mental health, and in daily life. In contrast, if a child develops industry, then he or she will learn the skills necessary for achievement.  In this stage I was developing skills that would be beneficial to society. This was shown in my grades and achievements. Because I was so focused on my grades and the approval of others, I began to experience a sense of inferiority. I resolved this issue by knowing my worth and developing more skills.

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Stage 5: Identity Vs Identity Confusion (Adolescence to Early Adulthood)

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Stage 5: Identity Vs Identity Confusion (Adolescence to Early Adulthood)

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The fifth stage of Erikson's psychosocial development is identity versus identity confusion which occurs in adolescence. In this stage the “Adolescent must determine sense of self (“Who am I?”) or experience confusion about roles” (Martorell, 2023).  At this time, it is necessary for the adolescent to become a healthy adult. The goal in this stage is to develop a coherent and healthy sense of self so that the adolescent can have a proper role in society. Often times adolescents explore their identities through this stage by gaining a better understanding of themselves and their beliefs. Each stage experienced before this one is necessary to create this needed, healthy self-identity. The years of adolescence were very difficult for me because I experienced multiple mental and physical health issues. As with most people who were of this age, I still had a great desire to please others and was just figuring out who I wanted to be. I can say now, as a young adult, that I am no longer confused about my identity. I know who I am and who I want to be. This has allowed me to develop a healthy sense of self.

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Stage 6: Intimacy Vs Isolation (Young Adulthood to Middle Adulthood)

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Stage 6: Intimacy Vs Isolation (Young Adulthood to Middle Adulthood)

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The sixth stage of Erikson's psychosocial development is intimacy versus isolation and occurs in young adulthood. During this stage the “Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption” (Martorell, 2023). This stage is important because it consists of the development of intimacy in personal relationships. Intimacy is extremely important to a person's wellbeing. Those who are in this stage often find themselves in between maintaining independence while still creating intimate relationships. It is important for people to maintain both of these qualities in their relationships to develop in a healthy manner. This is the stage I am currently in. Becoming an adult consists of many mental and emotional changes. Just in this past year I have lost many friendships and have experienced isolation. However, I have been able to resolve this issue by creating intimate relationships with my family and gaining more intimate friendships.

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Stage 7: Generativity Vs Stagnation (Middle Adulthood to Late Adulthood) 

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Stage 7: Generativity Vs Stagnation (Middle Adulthood to Late Adulthood) 

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The seventh stage of Erikson's psychosocial development is generativity Vs. Stagnation and occurs in middle adulthood. During this stage the “Mature adult is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels personal impoverishment” (Martorell, 2023). This adult is developing a need to care for and lead others. This may include leaving a positive legacy or reaching a person's full potential. Generativity maintains a positive outlook and effect on oneself and others while stagnation would be living a life of boredom, incompleteness, and unfulfillment. This stage is important to the adult's wellbeing and happiness.  In this stage I hope to have children which will allow me to experience generativity, or, in other words, guide and help the next generation. Many people struggle with stagnation, but I hope to live a fulfilling life in the hopes that I can help people and make a difference which I aim to achieve through teaching.

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Stage 8: Ego Integrity Vs Despair (Late Adulthood to Death)

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Stage 8: Ego Integrity Vs Despair (Late Adulthood to Death)

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The eighth stage of Erikson's development is integrity versus despair which occurs in late adulthood. During this stage the “Elderly person achieves acceptance of own life, allowing acceptance of death, or else despairs over inability to relive life” (Martorell, 2023). At this time the elderly person must address feelings of regret or satisfaction based upon the life that they have lived. Knowing that death may come soon, this person can either look back upon their lives with integrity or wallow in despair over missed opportunities. This last and final stage can be very difficult but may also offer an opportunity for reflection and a sense of fulfillment. In this stage I will have to reflect on the life I have lived. I hope to be able to look back on my life with a sense of achievement and integrity. Despair is often experienced because life is coming to an end. I, however, believe in Heaven and the afterlife which gives me great peace when considering this fact.