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In this stage, infants learn whether they can trust their caregivers or not. It depends on whether or not the caregiver is consistent with affection and care. If it's inconsistent, the child can have trust issues later in life. I have learned to trust due to my parents being very affectionate and taking good care of me. Also, this has led me to be able to fulfill my desires such as going to college. According to our textbook, "If trust predominates, as it should, children develop hope: the belief they can fulfill their needs and obtain their desires" (p. 130, Martorell, 2022).

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Autonomy V. Shame and Doubt (ages 18 mos-3 years)

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Autonomy V. Shame and Doubt (ages 18 mos-3 years)

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For Erikson's second stage, children learn to be independent and to start making their own judgments but also learning boundaries. For instance, as a toddler I strived to be independent and do whatever I wanted. However, my parents let me know that that wasn't okay, and it made me feel shameful, yet I learned to be more respectful towards others' boundaries. "Toddlers need adults to set appropriate limits, and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits" (p. 135, Martorell, 2022).

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Initiative V. Guilt (ages 3 years-5 years)

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Initiative V. Guilt (ages 3 years-5 years)

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In this stage, children learn that some of their actions seek approval from their peers. However, they feel guilty or shameful if their action(s) are not approved by others. One day in preschool, I decided to take the initiative and ask a couple of other girls if they wanted to color with me. They both said yes which made me feel good about pursuing my goals. Our textbook states, "Children 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" (p. 174, Martorell, 2022).

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For the fourth stage, children in middle childhood learn that they need to acquire skills in order to be functional members of society. But if they don't acquire those skills, they will feel like they are lesser than their peers who have acquired them. In third grade, I was taught how to write in cursive which is a skill I needed to learn in order to perform well in my culture. Now, I use that skill to sign important documents such as checks and any paperwork I need for school/work. According to our textbook, "If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks" (p. 220, Martorell, 2022).

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The fifth stage involves an understanding our self-image based on relationships, experiences, values, etc. Also, it involves experimentation with social roles, such as jobs or where you want to go in life. During high school, I worked at a vet's office and then switched to retail because I started to understand that I didn't want to become a veterinarian anymore, so I decided to just work at a more basic job during my teenage years. Verywellmind states, "successfully completing this stage leads to a strong sense of self that will remain throughout life" (Cherry, 2022).

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For this stage, forming loving, healthy relationships are key. If you are unable to form intimate relationships, it will lead to isolation or a sense of loneliness. When I was 16, I dated a guy for a few months. Then, we broke up and I haven't dated anybody until now. I felt like I was never going to fall in love again during that time period. But I have found love again and I'm very happy I did. According to the article, "people who navigate this period of life successfully are able to forge fulfilling relationships with other people" (Cherry, 2020).

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For the second to last stage, it's all about nurture and taking care of things that will outlive them such as: children or something they create that will have a positive impact on the world. For generativity, I would contribute to society by helping elementary kids with their speech when I become a school-based speech language pathologist. Cherry states, "contributing to society and doing things to promote future generations are important needs at the generativity vs. stagnation stage of development" (Cherry, 2022).

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The final stage poses the question "Did I live a meaningful and fulfilling life?". If the answer is yes, they gain integrity. However, if the answer is no, they feel despair. If I feel secure in my relationships, enjoy my career, and have strong achievements, I will feel integrous. However, if I feel insecure in my relationships or not like my job, I will feel a sense of despair. According to the article, "successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction" (Cherry, 2021).

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Cherry, K. (2022, June 22). Identity vs. role confusion. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/identity-versus-confusion-2795735

‌Cherry, K. (2020, November 4). Intimacy vs. isolation: Psychosocial Stage 6. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/intimacy-versus-isolation-2795739

‌Cherry, K. (2022, February 15). Generativity vs. Stagnation in Psychosocial Development. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/generativity-versus-stagnation-2795734

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Cherry, K. (2021, April 21). Integrity vs. Despair in Psychosocial Development. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/integrity-versus-despair-2795738

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Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493