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Definition: In this stage from infant to about 18 months, children develop the ability to rely and depend on others. This then shapes how they view their environment. They choose to either trust which will lead to the development of forming intimate relationships; or they will mistrust which puts up walls of self protection.

Experience: As an infant and early toddler I received a lot of love from my parents; however my parents did argue a lot. I believe that despite the nurture I received from both of them I felt unsafe and unsecure. As I got older I became very shy, although now this has changed. The text explains this situation as follows: " If mistrust is predominant, children will view the world as unfriendly and unpredictable and will have trouble forming quality relationships" (Martorell 150).

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Definition: In this stage children began to discovery independence in their wants while at the same time having to be obedient to their caregivers commands. This stage is between ages 18 months to 3 years old.

Experience: During this age I became very strong willed when it came to my toys. My parents would ask me to share with my sister but I was very strong willed on my decision. However, I would say overall during my toddler years I was very obedient. If my mom asked me to hold her hand when walking across the street, I would listen. So I wouldn't put myself in a single category. The text actually states there should be a healthy balance between the two: " Because unlimited freedom is neither safe nor healthy, said Erikson, shame and doubt also have a necessary place. Toddlers need adults to set appropriate limits and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits" (Martorell 157).

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Definition: This stage is around preschool age. It consists of children taking on more responsibility on wanting to do more things while at the same time being aware of the social norms.

Experience: At preschool age I wanted to take the initiative to do more and more "adult things," like helping mom cook or bake for example. However at the same time I was aware of the social norms of my peers. I participated in activities that met social approval like playing outside, imaginative play, and coloring. So I had a balance between the two parts. Which the text states is a good things because "children develop the virtue of purpose, the courage to envision and pursue goals without being unduly inhibited by guilt or fear of punishment" (Martorell 210).

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Definition: This stage involves developing hardworking skills to achieve cultural goals so that you are not left behind when it comes to standards of that culture.

Experience: I was a late reader. For some reason I just couldn't get it and I remember being so frustrated and embarrassed because I had to get pulled aside in small group for extra help. I was constantly nervous that the teacher would call on me to read in front of the class. However, my mom started working with me more at home and I would pay attention, and eventual I got it. It instilled in me that I can reach any goal I set my mind to if I work hard, and this stuck with me all through my school years. The text states: "if this stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks" (Martorell 276).

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Definition: Based on the previous stages, a child is trying to find their identity and how they fit into society.

Experience: From middle school to college I was searching for my identity and where exactly I fit in at. I would float to different friend groups trying to see if I found my calling, but each time I tried it just left me feeling more empty and even depressed. It was in 2020, my freshman year of college, that Lord Jesus Christ found me. And I learned that my identity is in Jesus Christ, and I have never felt more satisfied! The text states this to support my experience: "Adolescents who resolve the identity crisis satisfactorily develop the virtue of fidelity... Fidelity also can mean identification with a set of values, and ideology, a religion, a political movement, a creative pursuit, or an ethnic group" (Martorell 336).

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Definition: In this stage the young adult is now seeking to whether to make a commitment to an imitate relationship with a partner or is to self focus to make a commitment.

Experience: This is the currently the stage I would say I am in. I have talked to a couple of guys over the past 2 years, none of them though turned into relationships, but it gave me a chance to get to know them. Although I haven't made any commitments to a relationship I believe that I still considered to be part of the intimacy category because the text states, "the person is seeks to make commitment to others" (Martorell 11), and I am actively seeking.

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Definition: A desire to want to shape the future. They have goals and take initiative. The opposite is the not having a desire to contribute to society.

Experience: I am currently not at this stage yet. However I would hope to be at generativity when I reach this stage of life. I know that the Lord has given me a strong desire to want shape the next generation and to give and serve others. A resolution to someone in stagnation would be maybe volunteering, I believe that serving others doesn't only bring joy in others hearts but yours as well. Maybe even righting put personal goals, and trying to realistically accomplish them. I believe that this would be a solution to getting ride of "a feeling of personal impoverishment" (Martorell 11)

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Definition: satisfaction versus the dissatisfaction of the the choices and circumstances of ones life.

Experience: I am currently not at this stage yet, but I believe I would be at integrity. This is because of my beliefs in this life as well a "death." The text states that the opposite is "despair over inability to relive life' (Martorell 11). A resolution would be taking advantage of the time you still have, and cherishing the loved ones you still have.