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The first stage of Erikson's stages of development is basic trust versus mistrust, which begins at birth and lasts to around 18 months old. In this stage, babies develop trust from the gentle, warm, and consistent care from their parents, particularly their mother. This formation of trust allows them to be optimistic and trust others later in life. If the baby does not receive consistent and warm care, they develop mistrust and have a negative worldview.

One aspect of my infancy that helped me to develop basic trust is that I developed a deep and secure attachment style to both my mother and my father. According to the "Child" textbook, attachment is the "Reciprocal, enduring tie between two people-especially between infant and caregiver-each of whom contributes to the quality of the relationship" (Martorell 150). One particular instance that demonstrates this is that as an infant, I would always fall asleep on my father's chest when sports were on.

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Stage 2: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

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Stage 2: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

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The second stage of Erikson's stages of development is autonomy versus shame and doubt. This stage, which lasts from 18 months to three years of age, involves toddlers developing a desire to complete tasks independently and a sense of autonomy. In this stage, the toddler balances wants and their own personal desires with their needs and their parent(s) wishes. If the toddler develops autonomy, they will gain independence and confidence. If the toddler develops shame and doubt, they will struggle to complete tasks on their own and will doubt themselves throughout their life.

One way that I demonstrated autonomy during my toddler years is that I was stubborn, and made my own wishes clear. In the "Child" textbook, it states that this stage of development is characterized by the persistent negativism and defiance of the "terrible twos" (Martorell 156). One particular instance of myself demonstrating this sense of autonomy is that when I didn't like food, I would push my plate away from me and say, "I'm full. . ." in a sing-song voice.

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Erikson's third stage is initiative versus guilt, which lasts from age three to age six. In this stage, the child balances their goals and motives with morality. Furthermore, the child continues to test their parent(s) rules. If the child develops initiative, they develop a more concrete sense of independence and executive function. If they develop guilt, they will become unable to receive criticism well and feel guilt when they fall short of expectations.

According to Martorell, this stage describes how children "Balance the urge to pursue goals with reservations about doing so" (Martorell 210). One way that I demonstrated this is that I was encouraged to and eager to read at an early age. I would try to pick out my own books when I was in pre-school, and was never told, "That book is too hard for you." This helped me to take initiative in learning and not feel guilty when I wasn't able to read the advanced books.

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Erikson's fourth stage, industry versus inferiority, lasts from age six until puberty. This stage involves the child learning and mastering academic, social, and emotional skills. If the child masters certain skills, they develop a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities. If they are unable to meet the expectations placed onto them by society, the child develops a sense of inferiority and shame.

Martorell describes how children achieve industry, stating, "If the stage is fully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks" (Martorell 275). One particular instance of me developing industry over inferiority is in the fourth grade, when my talent for writing was first recognized. My teacher asked to use my writing assignment as a future example of a perfect demonstration of the writing prompt. This boosted my confidence and helped me realize that my talents were true.

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Stage 5: Identity versus Identity Confusion

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Stage 5: Identity versus Identity Confusion

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Erikson's fifth stage, identity versus identity confusion, lasts during the teenage years. In this stage, teenagers begin to develop an overarching sense of who they are. This includes their values and morals, their sexual identity and orientation, religious views or lack thereof, and their social identity. By developing a stable identity, the teenager is able to solidify their goals and confidence in themself. If they experience identity confusion, this can lead to unstable relationships and an inability to decide their purpose in life.

Throughout high school, I struggled with finding my sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite this, I developed a concrete identity. One event that helped me to overcome this stage of development was when I moved to Fort Wayne. The friends that I made accepted me for who I was and helped me to have a sense of belonging. Martorell describes this loyalty and belonging as one way that this stage's crisis is resolved (Martorell 336).

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Erikson's sixth stage of development, intimacy versus isolation, is experienced during young adulthood. This stage involves the formation of lasting, meaningful, and strong platonic and/or romantic relationships. If the individual develops intimacy, they are able to develop a system of support and friendship. In addition, if the individual finds a spouse through developing intimacy, they are able to strengthen themself through their spouse's love and support. If the individual develops a sense of isolation, they become unable to form lasting and close relationships with others. This can lead to depression and antisocial behaviors.

I am currently at the beginning of this stage. One of my goals to achieve intimacy and avoid isolation is to socialize with my peers and close friends more frequently, as Martorell states in the "Child" textbook, "greater intimacy, loyalty, and sharing with friends mark a transition towards adultlike friendships" (Martorell 351). Another way that I will develop intimacy over isolation is through maintaining healthy communication in my current romantic relationship with my partner. This will help me to build my interpersonal and communication skills, while also providing a sense of security and happiness.

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The seventh stage, generativity versus stagnation, includes most of adulthood. This stage involves the adult individual seeking to fulfill their sense of purpose in the world and creating a lasting impact. This sense of purpose could be through their career, altruism, raising children, aspirations, or spiritual means. If the individual develops generativity, they are able to feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue with their purpose. If they develop stagnation, they can experience feelings of uselessness, emptiness, and depression.

I have not yet reached this stage of development, yet I believe that I will develop generativity over stagnation. One way that I will ensure that I develop generativity is to continue to pursue personal hobbies and goals outside of my professional career. This will help me maintain my overall motivation and avoid burnout.

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The final stage of Erikson's stages of development is integrity versus despair and occurs in the late stages of adulthood. This final stage involves the individual reflecting upon their life and accomplishments. If they develop integrity, they accept their upcoming death and have little to no regrets. This allows them to be able to spend the last years and moments of their life in peace. If they develop despair, they possess intense feelings of regret and experience four of the five stages of stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance), but are unable to achieve acceptance of their death.

I have not yet reached this stage, as I have just entered the sixth stage. I believe that I will reach integrity in the final stage if I am able to make efficient life goals and avoid regrets.