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The first stage of the Erikson timeline is trust vs. mistrust and it begins at infancy up until about 18 months. It's all about developing trust in order to create intimate relationships with yourself and others. A balance with trust and mistrust is needed. According to the text on p.130, “babies need to develop a balance between trust, which lets them form intimate relationships, and mistrust, which enables them to protect themselves.” When I was an infant my parents would let me “cry-it-out” a lot of the times which helped older me view myself as a great source to rely on.

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The second stage of the Erikson timeline is, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, which covers ages 18 months to 3 years old. Children at this stage experience a slight sense of freedom along with direction from their caregivers to guide them. According to the text on pg. 135, “As children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent.” As a toddler I was able to make choices like picking out pieces of my outfit for the day. Sometimes I would want a wonky hairstyle and my mother would decide against it because of course, I would’ve looked crazy.

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The third stage of the Erikson timeline is, initiative vs. guilt, which occurs between the ages 3 and 5. Preschool age children start to realize what are socially appropriate actions. On p.174, the text states, “they are learning that some of the things they want to do meet social approval, whereas others do not.” My sister and I would play games like, hide & seek and others. Our mother would discipline us and eventually we quit doing it as much.

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The fourth stage of the Erikson timeline is, industry vs. inferiority, which involves the ages 6 to 12 years old. At this stage children learn which skills society praises and which actions aren’t supported. As stated on the text on p. 220, “This is problematic because during middle childhood, children must learn skills valued in their society.” Which explains the value of learning the difference. My teachers and parents would tell me to always try my very best in everything. This taught me to never give up on anything I wanted to do in life.

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The fifth stage of the Erikson timeline is, identity vs. identity confusion, which involves the ages 12 to 18 years old. This stage dives deep into the individual and helps develops uniqueness. On p. 264 of the text, it states, “The effort to make sense of the self is part of a healthy process that builds on the achievements of earlier stages.” My parents used to take me to church with them every Sunday, and that taught me what my values were.

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The sixth stage of the Erikson timeline, is intimacy vs. isolation, and it involves the ages 18 to 40 years old. This stage is about learning to be involved in a romantic relationship or not. Once I get to this stage, I will probably meet somebody I think I’m going to be with forever, but it might not last as long as I thought it was. It will teach me about independence and lost love.

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The seventh stage of the Erikson timeline, is generosity vs. stagnation, which includes the ages 4o to 65 years old. This stage is about immersing yourself into giving back activities and paying attention to the bigger picture. By being involved in meaningful activities, I will feel a sense of pride. It will teach me that other things are more important than just my life.

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The eighth stage of the Erikson timeline is, generosity vs. stagnation which includes age 65 until death. This stage is about looking back at your life and determining if you are happy with how it played out. Accepting however my life plays out after the age of 65, will be up to me and how I process it.