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Trust vs. Mistrust is the 1st stage of psychosocial development that takes place between birth and 18 months. This is indicated by an infant learning whether or not they can trust the world and feel it's a safe place, or cannot trust because the world is dangerous. This happens based on whether or not they are given proper, continuous care as an infant.

I resolved this stage of development with trust because my mother always kept me safe and made me feel loved as a baby. "The critical element in developing trust is sensitive, responsive, consistent caregiving," states the author of "Child." Because my mother did these things, I was able to develop the ability to trust.

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Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the 2nd stage of psychosocial development. This happens between 18 months and 3 years of age, when a child chooses whether to make their own decisions and challenge authority or doubt themselves.

I resolved with autonomy because I chose to play with toys on my own, while still choosing to stay in places my mom told me to stay in. Martorell tells us "[a]s children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent." This shows that my choice for independence was closer to autonomy than shame and doubt.

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Initiative vs. Guilt is the 3rd stage of psychosocial development, taking place between 3 and 5. A child tries to make their own decisions during this stage, but may be held back by what people around them consider right or wrong.

Martorell mentions children learn during this stage that "some of the things they want to do meet social approval, whereas others do not." I resolved with guilt because my parents gave me separate directions. When I was 4, I wanted to call my stepfather “dad,” but my father was angry, and I felt too guilty to make that decision.

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Industry vs. Inferiority is the 3rd stage of psychosocial development, and it happens between ages 5 and 11. During this stage, children learn what society expects of them. They either feel confident in their ability to do what is expected or feel inferior after failing to do what society expects.

"If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks," mentions Martorell. I resolved with industry as I’d been completing my assignments, getting good grades, and reading almost as much as my teachers. This made me feel like I could complete things by the end of this stage of development.

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Identity vs. Identity Confusion is the 5th stage of psychosocial development, taking place between 12 and 18 years of age. This stage involves a teenager finding out what they believe in and who they are. This is resolved when they decide on their values or remain confused.

"Identity forms as young people resolve three major issues: the choice of an occupation, the adoption of values to live by, and the development of a satisfying sexual identity," says author Gabriela Martorell. I resolved with identity confusion that I still struggle with sometimes. At this age, I changed my values regularly based on those closest to me. I usually agreed with whatever my boyfriend or best friend at the time said instead of making these decisions for myself.

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Intimacy vs. Isolation is the 6th stage of psychosocial development, and it takes place between 18 and 40 years of age. This stage is defined by a young adult choosing whether to become close to the people around them or isolate themselves from the world or those in it.

I have not yet resolved this, but I believe it will be resolved with intimacy as I’m currently learning to get closer to the people around me and gain more friends. Howson and Gould mentioned that this stage of development is "associated with the development of intimacy with others." This shows that my deepening connections with new friends make intimacy a likely outcome.

Gould, M., & Howson, A. (2021). Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

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Generativity vs. Stagnation is the 7th stage of psychosocial development, consisting of making an impact that will last past your life, and it happens between ages 40 and 65. This often takes place through raising children. It is resolved when they either stay in stagnation and don't influence the community, or generate something that contributes to the world around them.

I have not yet started this stage of development, but I believe it will be resolved with generativity. Gould a d Howson describe the conflict between "tending to the needs of the next generation and self-absorption," and this is something we are all working on. I’m slowly becoming a more active member of my church community, and I hope to have at least 4 kids. If I could, I’d have ten. This is why I believe I’ll make an impression on something that outlasts me. Even if I didn’t want kids, I hope to make lasting changes to further help whatever church community I stay with after finishing my degree and settling down.

Gould, M., & Howson, A. (2021). Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

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Integrity vs. Despair is the 8th and final stage of psychosocial development. It takes place from 65 to the rest of your life, and it consists of looking back on your life and deciding whether you are happy with your choices. It is resolved with either feeling content with your successes or regretting decisions you did or didn't make.

Gould and Howson address how "[t]he final contribution to his theory on psychosocial stages professed that a person's level of wisdom is determined based on whether or not a person has positively resolved the conflicts of the earlier stages." Having completed most of the previous stages, it is likely that is how I will feel as well. In addition, I believe I will resolve this stage with integrity because I know that even the mistakes I’ve made help me learn. I also know Jesus uses all things, even the worst of things, for our good.

Gould, M., & Howson, A. (2021). Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development. Salem Press Encyclopedia.