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Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during infancy from birth to around 18 months of age. During this critical stage, infants develop a sense of trust in the world and their caregivers if their needs are consistently met with warmth, responsiveness, and care. Positive experiences during this stage lead to a foundation of trust and security, fostering a confident and hopeful outlook on relationships and the world. However, if caregivers are inconsistent or unresponsive, infants may develop a sense of mistrust and insecurity, leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships and a more cautious approach to the world. In the book it states,

"People need to trust the world and the people in it, but they also need to learn some mistrust to protect themselves from danger" (Martorell, 13).

As a baby, I didn’t have a hard time developing a basic sense of trust in myself, in others, and in the world. My parents told me I was always happy and always expressed when something was wrong.

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Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the second stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during early childhood from around 18 months to 3 years of age. In this stage, children develop a sense of autonomy and independence as they assert their will and control over their actions and choices. Encouragement and support from caregivers during this stage help children build confidence and a sense of competence in their abilities. However, if caregivers are overly controlling or critical, children may develop feelings of shame and doubt, leading to a lack of self-confidence and hesitation in exploring their environment. In the book it says,

"Erikson’s 2nd stage concerns autonomy versus shame and doubt. In U.S. culture, negativism is a normal manifestation of the shift from external control to self-control" (Martorell, 165).

According to my parents I knew what I wanted and how to get it. I developed a sense of independence and self-control.

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Initiative vs. Guilt is the third stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during early childhood from around 3 to 6 years of age. In this stage, children begin to take initiative in their activities and explore their environment with curiosity and eagerness. They start to develop a sense of purpose and initiative in play, learning, and social interactions. Encouragement and support from caregivers and the freedom to explore lead to a sense of accomplishment and confidence. However, if children's initiatives are consistently met with criticism or restriction, they may develop feelings of guilt and anxiety about their actions, leading to self-doubt and a reluctance to take initiative in the future. In the text it states,

"Erikson’s third stage in psychosocial development, in which children balance the urge to pursue goals with reservations about doing so" (Martorell, 210).

I was more initiative than guilt in this stage. I was more imaginative, played creatively, and showed a growing desire to take the initiative in various activities.

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Industry vs. Inferiority is the fourth stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during middle childhood from around 6 to 11 years of age. In this stage, children strive to master new skills and meet the expectations of their social and academic environments. Successful experiences in learning and accomplishing tasks foster a sense of industry and competence, leading to feelings of pride and self-worth. However, if children experience consistent failure or receive inadequate support, they may develop a sense of inferiority and inadequacy, leading to a lack of confidence in their abilities and a diminished sense of self-esteem. In the book it says,

"Erikson’s fourth crisis of psychosocial development, in which children must learn the productive skills their culture requires or else face feelings of inferiority" (Martorell, 275).

I grew up with a learning disability so this stage was very difficult for me. I developed feelings of inferiority. I doubted my capabilities and felt inadequate compared to my peers.

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Identity vs. Confusion is the fifth stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during adolescence from around 12 to 18 years of age. In this critical stage, adolescents grapple with questions of identity and strive to form a coherent sense of self. They explore different roles, values, and beliefs to establish their unique identity and place in society. Successful resolution leads to a strong sense of identity and direction, while unresolved conflicts may result in confusion and uncertainty about one's identity and future. In the text it states,

"Erikson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development in which an adolescent seeks to develop a coherent sense of self, including the role she or he is to play in society" (Martorell, 336).

For this stage I was a little bit of both. I knew my place and had good friends but I always felt alone. My parents got divorced during this stage, so it was hard to engage in new experiences.

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Intimacy vs. Isolation is the sixth stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during early adulthood from around 18 to 40 years of age. In this stage, young adults seek to form deep and meaningful connections with others, particularly in the context of romantic relationships. They strive to establish intimate and committed partnerships, developing emotional bonds and experiencing vulnerability. Successful resolution leads to the capacity for intimacy and the ability to form secure and satisfying relationships. However, unresolved conflicts may result in feelings of isolation, fear of intimacy, and difficulties in establishing close connections with others. In the book it says,

"Earlier research on identity formation suggested that for women, relationships and intimacy figured more prominently than for men. More recent work has failed to find gender differences in this area" (Martorell, 337).

Currently I am in this stage at age 21. I have been in my current relationship for over two years. I believe I already developed a sense of trust and emotional intimacy, allowing myself to create secure and supportive relationships.

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Generativity vs. Stagnation is the seventh stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during middle adulthood from around 40 to 65 years of age. In this stage, adults focus on making meaningful contributions to the world and future generations, often through their work, parenting, or community involvement. They strive to leave a positive legacy and nurture the growth and well-being of others. Successful resolution leads to a sense of generativity and fulfillment, while unresolved conflicts may result in feelings of stagnation and a lack of purpose or fulfillment in life. In the book it states,

"Mature adult is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels personal impoverishment" (Martorell, 11).

I am looking forward to this stage of life and development because I know I am with the person I want to marry and strive to get a house and start a family. I also want to have a job at a high school as a social worker.

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Integrity vs. Despair is the eighth and final stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring during late adulthood, usually from around 65 years of age and beyond. In this stage, individuals reflect on their life experiences and evaluate the meaning and significance of their past. They seek to achieve a sense of integrity by accepting and embracing the life they have lived, including both successes and regrets. Successful resolution leads to a sense of wisdom and contentment, while unresolved conflicts may result in feelings of despair, regret, and a sense of hopelessness about one's life. In the book it states,

"In Erikson’s eight-stage theory, the socially and culturally influenced process of development of the ego, or self" (Martorell, 13).

When I get to this stage, I want to be able to reflect on my life and evaluate the meaning and significance of my past experiences. I want to develop of a sense of integrity and wisdom. I want to be at peace with my life journey and the choices I have made