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Erikson's first stage of development occurs in infancy and is one of the most important stages throughout the entire development process. Trust vs Mistrust develops a child's sense of who is safe and who is not based upon the basic needs of life. If a parental figure meets the basic needs for survival, then the baby has no other choice but to trust that parent. If basic needs are unmet, then the baby develops a sense of mistrust for the adult. Erikson (1950) stated, "The critical element in developing trust is sensitive, responsive, consistent caregiving".

I had two very loving parents that were around in my most critical point when developing trust. Both of them gave me the love and attention I required to form that bond of trust that all of my basic needs were going to be met.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493

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Erikson's second stage of development occurs in early childhood as a toddler. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt develops a child's sense of independence or lack thereof. When a child can explore their surroundings, they develop a sense of independence and curiosity. When a child faces more restrictive guidelines or negative punishment for individual things, the child can form a sense of shame and doubt. Erikson (1950) stated, "As children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent".

I was a very independent child. The more I explored, the more I learned I could do with limited boundaries. Limitations were still apparent, but I had the will and encouragement from my family to explore my surroundings. In return, I gained a strong sense of autonomy.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493

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Erikson's third stage of development occurs in the preschool aged years, ages three to six. Initiative vs Guilt builds on the previous stage of Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt. A child develops a sense of initiative while trying new things without feeling guilty. Children get initiative when they engage in new activities that are met with a supportive reinforcement from adults. This teaches the child that they can engage in activities that excite them without being reprimanded. Criticism or reprimand during leadership activities gives the child a sense of guilt. The sense of guilt often leads the child to fear new things; therefore, they may never seek them out. Erikson (1950) stated, there is a "split between two parts of the personality: the part that remains a child, full of exuberance and a desire to test new powers, and the part that is becoming an adult, constantly examining the propriety of motives and actions".

I was very lucky to live on a large property, so I had a variety of experiences in the country. I was always encouraged outside, so I spent most of my days playing in dirt or running with dogs across the fields. My initiative today is still just as strong as my independence.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493

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Erikson's fourth stage of development occurs in early childhood during school aged years. A child develops a great sense of pride, or industry, if accompanied by high praise. This high praise in completing desired activities allows the children to achieve their goals via hard work. When a child gains low self-esteem or lack of motivation, the child faces a sense of inferiority. Erikson (1998) stated, "...children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks".

I had a range of activities that I could engage in throughout school. I was the child that wanted to complete what I started, no matter how long it took me. I was always encouraged to chase my dreams from my parents. I had a very supportive family that gave me my current sense of pride.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493

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Erikson's fifth stage of development occurs during adolescence, ages 12 to 18. Identity vs Identity Confusion is one of the most important stages of development, next to trust vs mistrust. During adolescence, children are finding their sense of self based on their environments and social relationships. Finding a sense of self builds on the earlier stages in Erikson's developmental theory. Having a strong sense of self prepares the adolescent for challenges they face in adulthood. If the adolescent does not have a strong foundation from the previous stages of development, the child could develop a misguided sense of identity. Identity confusion for children is often taught in social environments or surroundings based on home life. A poor sense of trust or mistrust can lead a child to discover themselves with the wrong role models that school, or other social gatherings, provide. Erikson (1968) stated that children must confront this stage, "in order to become a unique adult with a coherent sense of self and a valued role in society".

My identity has always been something I was searching for. My parents were supportive, but I lived with my mother and she was very critical. She was critical of what I wore or how my hair was styled. I went to a small school that was accompanied by stereotypes and gossip. School didn’t help my sense of identity, either. I had a strong sense of trust, autonomy, initiative, and industry, but it took me longer to find my identity. It wasn’t until I reached college that I finally found my sense of identity. Most of my lifespan in this stage was spent in identity confusion.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493

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Erikson's sixth stage of development occurs in young adulthood, ages 18 to 29. To have intimacy with someone is not to be intimate with them, but to be emotionally and romantically vulnerable to another person. An intimate partner can be a relative, close friend, or even a life partner. Without these strong and long-lasting relationships, teenagers can fall into a sense of isolation. This sense of isolation can lead to lifelong loneliness and an incapability to build new lasting relationships. Erikson (1993) stated, "... a man is not capable of real intimacy until after he has achieved a stable identity, whereas women define themselves through marriage and motherhood".

Prior to 23, I had very strong relationships with friends and family members. I was engaged and felt the best I had ever been since leaving home. After my dad died at 23, I felt my sense of intimacy slipping away and I tried to isolate myself. It took me almost 6 months to finally come back to feeling like I had a sense of intimacy. My husband was my biggest supporter, and my friends never left my side. I think I finally found my sense of intimacy completely was when I got married. The most important people in my life sounded to me. It was then that I knew I not only had a husband who loved me dearly, but another family who was just as supportive.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493

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Erikson's seventh stage of development occurs in middle adulthood, ages 29 to 48. "All domains of development are interrelated. Development in each of the different domains—physical, cognitive, and psychosocial—affects the others in a series of complex interactions" (pg 11). During generativity, adults reminisce about their life experiences. They focus on the good parts and teach their generations about the past. Common practices during generativity include giving back to their communities and/or families. Adults often seen with a strong sense of generativity are encouraging and teaching younger generations. Adults who confront stagnation often sense a lack of accomplishment and motivation. They do not feel their life has or had, any purpose. There is no motivation for them to keep going with life.

I feel that by this time I will have a sense of generativity. I will teach for 20+ years. I will either still be in elementary education or have furthered into secondary education. My personal life would have had its challenges, but my husband and I have had 3 beautiful children. We are living our best lives together.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493

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Erikson's eighth stage of development occurs in late adulthood, ages 48 and beyond. "Development in childhood affects development throughout the life span. As long as people live, they have the potential to change in both positive and negative directions. Development is lifelong, from womb to tomb" (pg 11). Having integrity as an older adult is looking back at life with a sense of pride and without regrets. Of course, there are going to be some regrets in life, but the adult learns from those regrets and moves forward. If fewer regrets are apparent, then the older adult has a great sense of integrity. Despair can occur in an older adult when the adult looks back on their life and regret a majority of the choices they did not make in their younger years.

Hopefully, I will be mostly in integrity during this stage. My husband and I are surrounded by grandchildren and learning how to love each other again. My husband and I will still be together in our 80s and beyond. I never want to think about despair because that would mean my husband, or one of my children, has died.

Source:

Martorell, G. (2022). Child (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://yuzu.vitalsource.com/books/9781264461493