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In this stage, babies decide whether the world is good or bad.

Because we’re completely helpless at this age, we depend on others to care for and love us. We learn to trust and generally feel safe and secure if we receive good care and love. Conversely, if we don’t receive good care and love, we struggle to trust and will generally feel fearful of the world.

Gabriella, at the age of 14 months old, is lying in her crib, crying and hungry. She cries and cries until her mother comes and checks in on her. At that moment, she can trust that as soon as she sees her mom, she will get fed because her mom has done so so many times. So, Gabriella has learned the world is good, and she can trust that she will get what she needs from her mother when she needs food.

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In this stage, children become independent or doubtful.

If we complete toilet training and are allowed to gain more control over food choices, toy preferences, etc., we will develop autonomy and generally feel more secure and confident. Conversely, if we fail to gain independence these years, we will generally feel more shame and doubt.

Gabriella, at the age of 2.5 years old, is trying to become independent and tries to find outfits for herself. Her mom idly stands by and waits until Gabriella asks for help to offer her assistance, thus allowing Gabriella to be independent without making her doubt herself.

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In this stage, children have initiative or become guilty.

Here we learn to assert ourselves in social settings. If we succeed, we will develop initiative and generally feel more capable. If we fail, we’ll generally be left with more guilt and self-doubt.

Gabriella, aged 5, has been asking her mother many questions lately. So, of course, she asks and questions about everything. But, instead of turning her away and telling her to go away or that she's annoying, Gabriella's mother does her best to try to answer everything she can, giving Gabriella the initiative without feeling guilty.

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In this stage, children will either develop self-confidence or feel inferior.

We'll likely develop confidence if encouraged to improve our abilities, and our accomplishments are commended. If we were, conversely, discouraged and ridiculed by parents, teachers, or peers, we’re more likely to doubt our abilities.

Gabriella, aged 10, is at a point where her initiative is not encouraged; her mother has become restrictive as she gets older. As a result, Gabriella is now beginning to feel inferior, doubting her abilities, and therefore directly, may not reach her potential because of the restriction her mom has placed.

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Pre-teens and teenagers will become comfortable with their identity or become confused.

In our teenage years, we can receive affirmation of our ideals, values, and sense of self, or we can receive various forms of ridicule and rejection. Those who have their sense of self positively reinforced develop stronger feelings of independence and control. Conversely, those who don’t receive positive reinforcement are more insecure and remain confused about themselves and their future.

Gabriella, aged 17, is starting to figure out what she wants to be when she "grows" up. She is starting to look at colleges and jobs near the school to make it an easy transition into her college life. Her mom supports her decision to be a teacher, but she wishes she would not be moving so far away.

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Young adults and adults can become close and intimate with others or become isolated from others.

If we develop close, committed relationships in our early adulthood, our lifelong relationships are more likely to be enduring and secure. Because each stage of development builds upon the others, the ability to form strong relationships is closely tied to whether or not we develop a strong sense of self in our teen years. Those without a strong sense of self are likelier to have less-committed relationships and suffer isolation and loneliness.

Gabriella, aged 25, graduated from college and is now a teacher. She asked her mom for advice on how to ask her girlfriend to marry her. Her mom was so excited to help, but Gabriella was nervous and anxious that her girlfriend would say no. If her girlfriend says no, that could have a possibility of making Gabriella isolate from everyone and become depressed. If she says yes, that would enable Gabriella to flourish in the intimacy part of the stage.

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Adults in this stage become a part of society and family, or they become stagnate and get stuck in their cycle.

If we build a good and productive life, we will likely feel like we’re contributing to the world. Conversely, if we fail to develop a sound and abundant life, we will likely feel uninvolved.

Gabriella, age 50, has a fantastic family with her wife and two adopted children, who are now in college and living independently. She feels like she is contributing to the world and is involved in organizations like "Habitat for Humanity" and volunteers at the animal shelter.

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Adults at this stage either asses and feel accomplished or feel like they've wasted time.

In our later years, we tend to look back on life. If we can develop a sense of pride in our accomplishments, we’re likely to feel satisfied. If we fail to create this pride, we will likely feel our life has been wasted.

Gabriella, age 89, looks back on her life as she watches her great-grandchild walk across the graduation stage. She feels joy and sees that she has accomplished so much. She appreciates her family and the career that she had. She will leave behind a life she is proud of once she is gone.