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Stage 1: Birth to 1 year: Trust vs. Mistrust

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Stage 1: Birth to 1 year: Trust vs. Mistrust

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The first stage takes place from birth to 12 to 18 months old. At this stage, the child will build either trust or mistrust. If the child is well taken care of, loved, and nurtured, they will develop trust. However, if the child experiences unpleasant interactions and is surrounded by an unhappy environment, they will develop mistrust. According to Martorell, "In these early months, babies need to develop a balance between trust, which lets them form intimate relationships, and mistrust, which enables them to protect themselves." (pg. 54) When I was 8 months old, I had a bad head injury. My mom held and comforted me while waiting for the ambulance. This has caused a very close relationship of trust between me and my mom.

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Stage 2: 1 to 3 years: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt 

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Stage 2: 1 to 3 years: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt 

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In the second stage, a child learns their sense of self and independence during their toddler years. Allowing the child to make small choices for themselves, such as what they would like to wear or eat, will help them develop a sense of personal control. According to Martorell, "As children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent." (pg. 55) At age 2, I wanted to be more like my sister and fought to be more independent. My mom allowed me to start picking out my outfits and dressing myself.

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Stage 3: 3 to 6 years: Initiative vs. Guilt

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Stage 3: 3 to 6 years: Initiative vs. Guilt

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In the third stage, the child develops a conscience. Erikson considers this the play stage which takes place between 3 and 6 years old. During this stage, the child learns guilt and pursues goals. Learning guilt, shame, and pride are important because they help children navigate social interactions. Martorell states, "Children who 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." (pg. 77) At 5 years old, I cut the hair off all my sister's Barbie dolls. When she started crying I immediately felt guilty. I remember giving her all the toys I had to try to make it up to her.

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Stage 4: 6 years to Puberty: Industry vs. Inferiority

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Stage 4: 6 years to Puberty: Industry vs. Inferiority

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The fourth stage takes place from ages 6 to 12. In this stage, the child learns skills to adjust to their culture and society and how to work to achieve goals. They also develop self-esteem. If a child has low self-worth they will develop a sense of inferiority. Martorell quotes "Understanding emotional distress is important for the development of empathy, the capacity to understand and feel the emotions of another person (Eisenberg et al., 2010)" (pg. 93). Children who lack empathy are more likely to have academic and behavioral problems. When I was in 4th grade, I started at a new school. I had a girl who was constantly bullied and had no friends. I decided to befriend her even though the other girls in my class told me not to.

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Stage 5: Puberty to Young Adulthood: Identity vs. Identity Confusion

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Stage 5: Puberty to Young Adulthood: Identity vs. Identity Confusion

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The fifth stage takes place between the teen years and young adulthood. This stage is important for teenagers to figure out who they are and to discover what their purpose is in the world. Martorell states, "Fidelity also can mean identification with a set of values, an ideology, a religion, a political movement, a creative pursuit, or an ethnic group." (pg. 109) When I was 16 I decided to go on a different religious path than my mother. While growing up, I was pushed towards being a Jehovah's Witness like my mother, however, it didn't resonate well with my beliefs. My dad's side is Buddhist which I knew in my soul was what I would follow.

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Stage 6: Young Adulthood: Intimacy vs. Isolation

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Stage 6: Young Adulthood: Intimacy vs. Isolation

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In the sixth stage, young adults focus on building relationships with others. This can lead to committed, lasting, healthy relationships. This stage can also lead to rejection which leads to isolation and loneliness. If the young adult experiences rejection or isolation, it can lead to depression. Martorell states, "Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption." (pg. 14) My husband and I have been in a committed relationship since my senior year in high school.

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Stage 7: Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. Stagnation

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Stage 7: Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. Stagnation

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The seventh stage takes place during middle adulthood. In this stage, adults are concerned with raising a family, contributing to society, and having a career. They may also feel a lack of progress or stagnation and feel regret. "Mature adult is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels personal impoverishment." (pg. 14) I hope that I can start a family within the next few years.

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Stage 8: Late Adulthood: Integrity vs. Despair

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Stage 8: Late Adulthood: Integrity vs. Despair

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The eighth stage is the final stage which takes place during late adulthood. In this stage, the elderly reflect on their life and decide whether it has been meaningful. Integrity and wisdom are developed by those who feel accomplished. Those who feel unaccomplished can be left with feelings of despair or regret. "Elderly person achieves acceptance of own life, allowing acceptance of death, or else despairs over inability to relive life." (pg. 14) I hope that when it is my time, I find that I have accomplished all I have set out to accomplish and that I am happy with my llife.