# data[].attributes.body
The first stage of Erikson's theory, trust vs. mistrust occurs during the 18 months of a baby's life. This stage is all about an infant's complete dependence to their guardian. In order for that to succeed, the infant must be able to trust their guardian.  If the infant comes out of this with mistrust, they will feel that the world is out to get them, and they need to protect themselves.
For myself, I believe that trust triumphed because I have a great, loving relationship with my parents and believe that I can achieve anything I set my heart out to do. The book backs up my beliefs with "If trust predominates, as it should, children develop hope: the belief they can fulfill their needs and obtain their desires."

# data[].attributes.body
The second stage of Erikson's theory, autonomy vs. shame occurs throughout the second half of the second year and the third year of a child's life. This stage focuses on children beginning to develop a sense of independence and control over their lives. The outcome is whether or not the child feels independent when making  decisions or feels doubt towards themself due to failures.
For myself, autonomy definitely succeeded. I feel confident in the decisions that I make. However, I am not afraid to admit when I have messed up and feel a justifiable amount of disappointment when I make mistakes. According to the book, "As children make their wishes understood, they become more independent... Toddlers need adults to set limits, and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits."

# data[].attributes.body
The third stage of Erikson's theory, initiative vs. guilt occurs between the ages of 3 to 6 years-old. This stage hones in on children beginning to step out into the world outside of their home. Success in this stage means that the child believes that they can lead others, while failure means that the child is filled with self-doubt.
For myself, initiative predominated at the end of this stage. I have been a leader throughout my life as the lead writer for my school newspaper and Co-president of Service Over Self at my high school. The book examines the result of this stage by concluding that children "develop the virtue of purpose [which is] the courage to envision and pursue goals without being unduly inhibited by guilt or fear of punishment."

# data[].attributes.body
The fourth stage of Erikson's theory, industry vs. inferiority begins around 6 years-old and continues until a child becomes a teenager. This stage is all about coping with more social and academic demands while also feeling pride in personal accomplishments. Success means that the child is confident in themselves and feel competent, while failure leads to beliefs of inferiority.
I have always been able to accomplish what I set out to do, and I feel like a competent member of society. I do not view myself as lesser than others and always try my hardest to succeed. The book says that developing industry "involves working hard to achieve goals."

# data[].attributes.body
The fifth stage of Erikson's theory, identity vs. confusion occurs during the teenage years from 12 to 19 years-old. This stage focuses on finding one's true self and where they fit in the world. Success means finding oneself and staying true to that person, while failure means a weak sense of self and confusion.
The past few years have certainly been a wild ride. A few years ago, maybe even just a couple, I would have fallen into the confusion category. I lost myself somewhere along the way, but I have rediscovered myself and could not be more thankful for the journey. The book states that the main goal of this stage and adolescence is to "become a unique adult with a coherent sense of self and a valued role in society."

# data[].attributes.body
The sixth stage of Erikson's theory, intimacy vs isolation occurs during the early to mid 20s. This stage focuses on creating close, intimate relationships that last the rest of people's lives. Success means these relationships, both romantically and friendly, are created, while failure leads to loneliness.
I have not found anybody yet, but I do plan on one day marrying the love of my life. My parents met in their early twenties and married each other soon after, so I hope the same can happen to me. Along with that, I have a great couple of friends who I hope to keep for the long run. This kicks off the stages the book does not completely dive into, but it does state that "Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation."

# data[].attributes.body
The seventh stage of Erikson's theory, generativity vs. stagnation occurs during most of adulthood, from 25 to 64. This stage hones in on adulthood and nurturing a legacy that outlives the person. Success means feeling a sense of accomplishment, while failure means feeling that the person could have done more in the greater scope of the world.
I 100% believe and certainly hope that I will have a family of my own that I love with my whole heart and a career that I consider to be successful. Along with that, I hope that I continue my work of giving back to the community. The book summarizes this stage with "A mature adult is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation."

# data[].attributes.body
The eighth and final stage of Erikson's theory, integrity vs despair occurs throughout a person's senior citizenship, from 65 to the end of their life. The final stage is all about looking back on one's life. Success means looking back with great joy, while failure means looking back with regrets about what did or did not happen.
I am a pretty laid back person, but I am also very ambitious and go after the things that I want. If I am lucky enough to make it to 65 and finally settle down, I have no doubt that I will look back at my life with a great deal of pride. The book briefly looks at this stage with "Elderly person achieves acceptance of own life, or despairs over inability to relive life."