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Cherry, K. (2022, August 3). Understanding Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740
Martorell, G. (2023). Child. McGraw Hill Education.

Martorell, G. (2023). Child. McGraw Hill Education.

Personal Interview, (2023) Blair, Anna.

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The first stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, this phase takes place from ages 12-18 months. It asks the important question, "Can I trust the world and people around me?" and the answer to this question shapes the child's entire worldview. This is a particularly important stage because this is where the child begins to develop a sense of autonomy, "or a sense of agency and independence" (Martorell 13).

As a baby Anna was left to cry without being comforted by her mother or father. As an adult she is generally distrustful of other people. According to Erikson's theory this is because the first stage of developments outcome was Distrust rather than trust.

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This second stage of Erikson's theory takes place between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old. During this time children begin to develop a sense of independence and autonomy. Their personality and likes and dislikes begin to form, and they "begin to substitute their own judgment for their caregivers" (Martorell 156) and do things their parents wouldnt necessarily like.

At age 3 Anna began to put star stickers all over her walls and ceilings, despite her father's distaste for them. This is an example of her forming her own likes outside of her caregivers, or Autonomy.

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This third stage of Erikson's theory takes place between the ages of 3 and 6 years old. During this stage the child begins to take initiative and exert power over themself and the world around them. Children at this stage will learn how to make decisions and mistakes without feeling guilt. "The need to deal with conflicting feelings about the self is at the heart of the third stage of psychosocial development," (Martorell 210) as children learn that what they want to do may not always be what is acceptable.

As an adult, Anna feels immense guilt and shame over all her decisions and mistakes. As a child (and currently as an adult) Anna's mother always expressed doubt over all of Anna's decisions, leading Anna to second guess everything she does. An example of this is when Anna, age 5, expressed wanting to wash the family car but her mother asked if she was sure, and that somebody else might do a better job than her. Because of this she gained the Guilt trait from this stage of development.

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This fourth stage of Erikson's theory takes lasts from the age of six until the age puberty. During this stage the child begins to learn new skills, and whether they are supported in this learning determines whether they develop a sense of self worth or a sense of worthlessness.  "If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks"  (Martorell 276).

At eight, Anna attended a girls only event at her church. Her mom was telling her she could make friends for life. There was only one other girl in the bus with her and they eventually became lifetime best friends. This is the fourth stage, Industry vs. Inferiority. Anna is learning new things such as social cues and moving within a social setting. She also formed a peer group during this time that has lasted into her adulthood.

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This fifth stage of Erikson's theory takes place between puberty and young adulthood. During this stage teens begin to question who they are and how they fit into the world. The things they experience during this time will shape their sense of identity and their role in society. The outcome of this new formed identity is determined by the outcome of three different crisis: "the choice of an occupation, the adoption of values to live by, and the development of a satisfying sexual identity" (Martorell 336).

At age 12 Anna's parents divorced. During this time her father left state and her mother would leave her and her siblings alone for long periods of time. Her mother acquired a new boyfriend and got pregnant during this time and Anna and her sibling felt forgotten, lonely, and abandoned. Now, as an adult Anna feels like she lacks a support system and identity in her family.

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This sixth stage of Erikson's theory take place between young adult and middle adulthood. This stage focuses on the formation of relationships. Erikson believed forming close interpersonal relationships was vital to wellbeing, so this stage is particular important (Cherry 6). Successful completion of this stage can lead to fulfilling and loving relationships and loneliness and isolation if the opposite.

Anna is currently in the beginning of this stage. Anna feels like she is unable to form a romantic relationship. She feels like it's because of her mother's judgment, comments, and lack of support currently and during her childhood. She has a hard time relating to her peers because of her isolation, and so has a hard time forming friendships and relationships. She feels ashamed to try, but wants to in the future. She feels hopeful.

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This seventh stage of Erikson's theory takes place between middle adulthood and late adulthood. This stage marks when adults begin to think about carrying on their legacy. The desire to nurture and or create drives this stage and whether that desire is fulfilled determines the subsequent outcome. Adults during this time are driven to "make their mark" (Cherry 7). Whether this be through children or their work, they are wanting their life to have a higher purpose by contributing to the world around them.

Looking back on previous stages, I believe that while Anna has a hard time forming interpersonal relationships and doubts her work decisions, she will not stagnate as an adult. She has a general sense of hope about her future, and a huge wish to carry on her accomplishments and legacy through children. She will flourish in her work and personal life with a bit of work and effort to repair any damage left by her childhood.

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This eighth and final stage of Erikson's theory continues through late adulthood all the way to death. This stage is one of retrospection, looking back on ones life and all of their accomplishments. They can either look back on their life with satisfaction, or regret. These outcomes are Integrity and Despair respectfully.

Despite the hardships in her childhood Anna currently looks back on it with a sense of fondness and love. I believe this perspective of hers will carry into the last stage of Eriksons development and she will looks back on her life with a sense of integrity, satisfaction, and pride.