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Basic Trust Versus Mistrust is the first stage in Erikson's development timeline. This is the stage in which babies/toddlers learn to either trust or "mistrust" the world. "People need to trust the world and the people in it, but they also need to learn some mistrust to protect themselves from danger."

I conducted an interview with Alexander in order to identify different developmental stages in his life. In this first stage, he learned basic trust as a baby by trusting his parents would be there to help him when he needed it. When learning to walk they would hold his hand so that he would not fall. By doing this, they gained his trust and he was more confident to walk on his own.

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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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Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt is the second stage in Erikson's developmental timeline. In this stage, a child learns how to be self-sufficient and overcome shame and doubt. "Toddlers need adults to set appropriate limits, and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits." Children then "achieve a balance between self-determination and control by others."

In early childhood, Alexander would insist on putting his own shoes on. Sometimes they would be on the wrong feet. His parents would let him know that they were proud of him for putting them on by himself. They would ask him to try to do it again in order to get them on the right feet. Through his achievements and mistakes, and through his parents guidance he achieved a balance between self-determination and control by others.

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Initiative Versus Guilt is the third stage in Erikson's development timeline. In this stage, children are able to and want to do more, even if they are not fully capable of it yet. "Children develop initiative when trying new activities and are not overwhelmed by guilt." This is a way in which children can resolve this stage of development and move onto the next.

Around the age 3 or 4, Alexander wanted to listen to the radio in his dad's car. Since he has done this before he decided to go do it on his own. He turned the key to turn the radio on, however he did not know the car was left in gear. The car went through the wall of the garage and into their house. He was scared and felt guilty. His parents assured him that they were just happy he was safe and it wasn't his fault but to ask next time. After that, he never went to listen to the radio by himself in the car again.

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Industry Versus Inferiority is the fourth stage in Erikson's timeline. In this stage, "children must learn skills of the culture or face feelings of incompetence." In order to complete this stage of development, a child would need to learn the skills of their culture otherwise they would face feelings of inferiority.

In grade school Alexander started to struggle with math. In order to resolve this issue his mom would work with him every night and give him practice tests. He would also go to his teacher for extra help before school started, in order to help him understand what he was learning. After a while of this extra help and practice, he did understand the topic and felt that he had mastered it. In the US, the cultural "skills" include math, reading, writing, etc. He was able to master all of these cultural skills with some extra effort.

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Stage 5: Identity Versus Identity Confusion

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Stage 5: Identity Versus Identity Confusion

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Identity Versus Identity Confusion is the fifth stage in Erikson's development timeline. In this stage, adolescents start to gain a sense of self and determine who they are, and their role in society. "Identity forms as young people resolve three major issues: the choice of an occupation, the adoption of values to live by, and the development of a satisfying sexual identity. "

In puberty to young adulthood Alexander started to think about what occupation he might enjoy when he grows up. He was unsure of what he would like to do as a long term job. He started working when he was 14 at a pool store. He tried different types of jobs such as carpentry and roofing. In doing this, he decided that these jobs were not the right fit for him, but he also gained skills and realized he was a dedicated worker. He decided to take his knowledge and experiences, as well as his work ethic and look for a long term occupation/job. In doing this, he "confronted the crisis of identity versus identity confusion in order to become a unique adult with a coherent sense of self and a valued role in society."

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Intimacy Versus Isolation is the sixth stage in Erikson's developmental timeline. In this stage, young adults look to make commitments to others. Whether it's to a loved one or a good friend, or an occupation.

When Alexander was a young adult, he made a commitment to the Air Force. He learned a lot of new skills, and also about life and respect. While fulfilling his contract to the military, he decided to settle down and get married. Although he made a commitment to an occupation first, he still was able to make a commitment to a loved one. Through his learning and adapting of the military culture, he was able to resolve this stage of intimacy versus isolation.

"The capacity for intimacy is related to psychological adjustment and social competence."

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Generativity Versus Stagnation is Erikson's seventh stage in his developmental timeline. In this stage, mature adults are "concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else they fell personal impoverishment."

As a mature adult, Alexander constantly worries about setting a good example for his daughter. He ensures that he hold a good job with health benefits in order to provide for his family. He makes sure to focus on teaching his daughter, and future children right from wrong in order to prepare them for the world. Through doing this, he hopes that his children will grow up with a good head on their shoulders, and help to spread awareness/set an example for others in their generation.

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Integrity Versus Despair is Erikson's final stage of his development timeline. In this stage, elderly people gain an acceptance of their lives. "Allowing acceptance of death, or else despairs over inability to relive life."

When Alexander reaches late adulthood, he realizes that he has lived a full life. He is still happily married, he raised two children and is watching his grandchildren grow up. He has retired from the workforce and is starting to have some health problems. He realizes that he will not live forever, and ensures that everyone in his life knows that they are loved.