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The first stage in Erikson's theory starts at birth and ends at about one year old. This is the most fundamental stage, developing trust is based on dependability and quality of a child's care giver. If a caregiver fails to provide adequate care, love and support for the child in the ways it needs, mistrust will develop and the child will grow to not trust adults in the future. "Erikson believed that a healthy outcome during infancy depended on the quality of care-giving" (Berk)
Trust will be developed if the caregiver provides adequate love and affection as well as support.
My parents abandonment at a very young age during this vital stage has led to a lot of mistrust in my life. I was also hospitalized for a long duration as an infant so vital connections were not made and much love was not felt.

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The second stage in Erikson's theory lasts through early childhood and focuses on personal self control. At this point in a child's life they are wanting to be more independent and do things on their own. When parents or care-givers allow children to do things for themselves and gain control; be it correct or incorrect, the child develops a sense of autonomy. If the child is shamed when they do not succeed or do a task wrong, they will develop a sense of self doubt. A good balance of guidance and control is necessary. "When parents are over-or under-controlling, the out-come is a child who feels forced and shamed and who doubts his ability to control impulses and act competently on his own." (Berk)
As a child, I remember my grandparents being very "lax" with things, or not so controlling. As an adult I doubt a lot so it probably began to develop during this stage of my life. Looking back I cannot remember them "teaching" me anything, I sort of had to do it myself or my aunt and uncle helped. That being said, I believe I developed a sense of autonomy at a later age.

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The third stage in Erikson's theory takes place during the preschool years and somewhat relies on a successful second stage. The initiative versus guilt stage focuses on the child learning to assert their power and control through play and social interactions. Children are eager to develop a sense of purpose during this stage and often want to complete new and more complex tasks. "Through patient, reasonable adult guidance and play experiences with peers, preschoolers acquire the moral and gender role standards of their society."(Berk)
While I do not think I had a very "successful" second stage, I do believe I developed the vital initiative during this stage. I always remember wanting to be in control of my own path and not wanting to be like my family. The initiative had to develop somewhere and it definitely was not taught or led by my caregivers.

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Erikson's fourth stage takes place from ages five to eleven, or the early school years. Through social interactions and relationships, children develop pride in the things they do. Successful coping of new social and academic demands leads to sense of industry or competence and failure results in feelings of inferiority.
"Erikson’s sense of industry combines several developments of middle childhood: a positive but realistic self-concept, pride in accomplishment, moral responsibility, and cooperative participation with agemates." (Berk)
I always loved school. It was one of my favorite places to be. I loved to talk to and hangout with my favorite teachers and was probably seen as a teachers pet by peers. I think I clung on to my relationships with teachers because they created the structure I craved. My grandparents were not the type to make sure I did my homework or studied but I did get that from teachers. I knew I needed to do well so I could have a better future. I developed my own competence and sense of industry.

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The fifth and one of the most turbulent of stages in Erickson's theory happens during the teenage years. Teenagers aim to develop a sense of self and their own identity. Success in finding ones "self" leads to the ability to stay true while failure can lead to confusion and lack of identity. "Erikson was the first to recognize identity as the major personality attainment of adolescence and as a crucial step toward becoming a productive, content adult. Constructing an identity involves defining who you are, what you value, and the directions you choose to pursue in life."(Berk)
From a very young age I wanted to develop my own identity out side of what my life had predicted for me. As a teen, I was finally able to make my own decisions so that was a new and confusing stage to be in. I believe I developed my identity successfully but in a confusing way.

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Stage six in Erikson's theory takes place during young-adulthood and focuses on relationships. Young adults crave intimate loving relationships with others. This stages covers the time that we are exploring those relationships. "Young adults establish intimate relationships. Because of earlier disappointments, some individuals cannot form close bonds and remain isolated." (Berk)
Due to my lack of trust in relationships in childhood, it was very hard to form intimate relationships in this stage. I isolated myself on purpose until I found someone whom I felt was worth it enough to form a relationship with. I married my high-school boyfriend after dating for seven years, so it turned out okay.

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The second to last stage in Erikson's theory revolves around "making their mark" or creating things that will last when they are gone. Success in this stage often comes with having children or a successful career. "Generativity means giving to the next generation through child rearing, caring for others, or productive work. The person who fails in these ways feels an absence of meaningful accomplishment." (Berk)
I have not reached this stage yet, but when I do I believe that my career as a (future) educator as well as motherhood will make me a generative adult.

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The final stage in Erikson's theory happens when you reach full maturity. This stages revolves on reflection of ones life. Was it successful? Did you contribute anything or leave a legacy behind? Did you leave the world a better place? Ultimately, was your life well lived? Those who answered no to these questions often feel regret and despair. If you answered yes, you probably feel proud of your life and feel and sense of integrity. " Integrity results from feeling that life was worth living as it happened. Older people who are dissatisfied with their lives fear death." (Berk)
While I am no where near maturity, I hope and believe I will have a sense of integrity. I think I will be successful because I am going to school to become an educator and help others and I am also a mother raising a very strong and independent daughter whom I hope will make positive contributions to society.

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Berk, L. E. (2019). Exploring child and
adolescent development. Pearson.

Cherry, K. (2021, July 18). Understanding
Erikson's stages of psychosocial
development. Verywell Mind. Retrieved
February 26, 2022, from
https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-
eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-
development-2795740

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Understanding Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

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Erikson’s stages of development describe eight psychosocial phases that shape the development of personality, identity, and psychological skills.