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Trust. vs Mistrust results in the child's ability to trust others.  Adequate nurturing from caregivers will have a positive result in trusting and vice versa.

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Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth-18 Months)

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Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth-18 Months)

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As a result of an absent father & an always working/ emotionally absent mother, I grew up having issues forming connections.  During this stage, the infant depends on their caregiver to not only keep them alive but nurture them mentally as well.  My father was not in my life at this time and the only love and attention I received was from my mother after she got home from working 8-hour days every day.  The resolution was mistrust and as quoted by the book, I had "trouble forming quality relationships." (Mortorell, 2023, p. 24).

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If the child learns how to perform tasks on their own, they will develop feelings of increased independence.  Those who do not will feel inner shame & doubt.

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Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 Months-3 Years)

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Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 Months-3 Years)

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During this stage, the child needs to be able to make their own decisions regarding what they want to eat, wear, play with, etc.  Of course, I still had assistance with hard tasks, but I often played with whatever I wanted alone and would get snacks and drinks when I wanted them.  I was more independent at this age than normal, which has continued to follow me throughout life.  The resolution was autonomy; I am overly independent and only rely on myself to get things done. I needed some of the latter according to the book: "Toddlers need adults to set appropriate limits, and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits." (Mortorell, 2023, p. 55).

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Initiative vs. Guilt revolves around the child experimenting with levels of control.  Those who succeed will become confident; others will develop self-doubt.

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Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 Years)

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Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 Years)

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The crisis experienced during this time was I had an overbearing sense on control because of the "power" I had over my sibling.  My sibling and I often played unsupervised, so I was always in charge of the situations so to speak.  I took advantage of this and became a control freak.  I resolved this situation with initiative; I was able to "develop the virtue of purpose, the courage to envision and pursue goals without being unduly inhibited by guilt of fear of punishment." (Mortorell, 2023, p. 72).

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To develop senses of pride & confidence, the child needs to experience praise from others.  If they do not get this, they will develop feelings of insecurity.  

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Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 Years)

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Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 Years)

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During this stage, the child needs to receive praise and encouragement from their parents and teachers.  If they do not receive this, they can doubt their ability to be successful.  I received lots of praise and encouragement when it came to my schoolwork, so I was confident with my level of intelligence and always tried my best.  This gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and determination.  The resolution here was industry; I was able to develop "a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks." (Mortorell, 2023, p. 93).

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Teenagers will develop their idea of "who they are within" during this time.  This results in confidence. If they do not, insecurity and doubt will set in.  

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Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion (12-18 Years)

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Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion (12-18 Years)

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I had an extremely hard time finding my personal identity and sense of self throughout middle and high school.  As a result of this, I went through many different phases just trying to understand where I fit in and I never really felt comfortable with myself until I was well out of high school.

I’m not sure why I wasn’t able to develop my identity and figure out “who I was”.  But I do know that because of this struggle I made poor decisions and had a deep struggle loving who I was as a person.  This stage shows that if you don’t figure out your identity, you will develop negative feelings towards yourself.  I was unable to "become a unique adult with a coherent sense of self and a valued role in society" until later on.  (Mortorell, 2023, p. 109).

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During this stage, people will explore forming relationships.  Success results in lifelong connections; failure results in isolation.   

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Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-35 Years)

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Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-35 Years)

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I also struggled and continue to struggle forming meaningful and close relationships.  I have grown in this area while my relationship with myself improves.  This stage bounces off the previous stage and having a well-developed sense of self.  Because I did not have a good relationship with myself, this reflects on my ability to form relationships with other people and resulted in "isolation and self-absorption".  (Mortorell, 2023, p. 14).

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Adults who build their family and involvement in the world will feel they are generative adults.  Those who do not feel as if they are stagnant  and "stuck."

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Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (35-55/65 Years)

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Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (35-55/65 Years)

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Because I have such a large sense of independence and received so much praise as a child, I have always been extremely hard on myself.  Adults who are not involved with their family or community will feel unfulfilled.  Because I expect so much of myself, I have a feeling I will always feel as if I am not doing enough.  My hope is that I can resolve this with generativity and be "concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation."  (Mortorell, 2023, p. 14).

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This is the time that people look back on their life and experience feelings of regret towards things they did or did not do.  

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Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (55/65 Years-Death)

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Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (55/65 Years-Death)

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People reflect on their lives during this stage and either feel ready to face the end of their lives and regret the things they did or did not do or feel a sense of dread.  I have a huge expectation for what I want to accomplish in life, and I have a feeling it will never be enough for me.  I also feel during this stage I will continue to feel unfulfilled and not at peace.  I am hoping to resolve this resolve this with integrity and "achieve acceptance of own life and allow acceptance of death." (Mortorell, 2023, p. 16).

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Martorell, G. (2023). Child, 3rd edition. McGraw Hill.