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Stage 1 is about the infant and if they can trust the people around them because they are dependent on them for basic survival needs. Being fed, changed, and bathed will lead an infant to trust their caregivers, however neglectful parenting will leas to mistrust.

As an infant, I remember always feeling safe with my parents and I always had my needs met. This led me to believe that trust was my resolution to stage 1.
Below is a quote from a website that helped me to better understand how important the first stage of psychosocial development was in shaping our personalities.

“According to Erikson, this is the most important period of a child's life, as it shapes their view of the world as well as their overall personality.”

https://www.verywellmind.com/trust-versus-mistrust-2795741

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Stage 2 is about children from 1-3 finding a sense of independence and control over themselves and the things around them. Being able to make their own choices could lead to autonomy, while criticism could lead to doubt.

I have always been very independent. I started potty training early and my mother used to give me the power as a child to pick out my own clothing. If I ever made a mistake, my parents wanted to make sure I learned from them. This led me to believe that autonomy was my resolution for stage 2.

“According to Erikson, children at this stage are focused on developing a greater sense of self-control.“

https://www.verywellmind.com/autonomy-versus-shame-and-doubt-2795733

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Stage 3 is about how children between ages 3 and 5 start learning to assert power through initiating activities and exploring through play. Children who are able to initiate activities with peers will develop confidence, whereas children who are not able to explore and make choices might struggle with feelings of guilt.

Although as a child, I was given opportunities to explore and initiate activities with friends or siblings, I have always struggled with being overly empathetic. Starting in my preschool years, I used to worry more about how others might feel from my actions/feelings. This led me in believing that guilt was my resolution for stage 3.

“A child who feels more guilt than initiative at this stage learns to resist trying new things for fear of failing.”

https://www.verywellmind.com/initiative-versus-guilt-2795737

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Stage 4 focuses on children 6-11 as they either learn new skills and develop a positive sense of self worth and industry, but if they are not supported in their need to try new things, they feel worthless or inferior.

Because guilt was my resolution to stage 3, I believe that led me to choose inferiority for my resolution for stage 4. In middle school, I feared failure. Failure to fit in, accomplish my goals, or even try new things. Because of this, I would stick to doing things that’s ere “comfortable” and “easy” to me, which could have halted many important skills and abilities I should have developed and maybe my outcome could have been industry.

“When a child is supported during this stage, they develop a greater sense of self-esteem.“

https://www.verywellmind.com/industry-versus-inferiority-2795736

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During stage 5, teens from ages 12-18 try to figure out who they are and identify their own sets of skills and abilities to promote positive self confidence and sense of independence. Figuring out one’s identity will build confidence and self-esteem. If someone is not able to explore themselves and different identities, it could lead to poor mental health and confusion.

Because I never tested my identities and capabilities in middle school, I believe that led me to choosing confusion for stage 5. I believe if I was able to test my abilities and different identities in earlier stages, I would be more confident in myself and my capabilities to accomplish my personal goals and knowing where I fit in life. I think I would have had higher self-esteem in high school if I had the confidence from trying new identities and difficult tasks in middle school.

“Kids who are not allowed to explore and test out different identities might be left with what Erikson referred to as role confusion, which can result in the following: Being unsure of who you are and where you fit, drifting from one job or relationship to another, or feeling disappointed and confused about your place in life.”

https://www.verywellmind.com/identity-versus-confusion-2795735

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Stage 6 focuses on young adults from 18-40. At this stage, people begin to question if they will be loved or be alone. Intimacy is important for having and maintaining deep and positive relationships that are extremely important to someone’s mental and emotional health. Isolation can bring on feelings of worthlessness and depression.

I am still early on in this stage, but I did seek therapy when I hit this stage in my life. I was confused in who I was and need guidance to help explain why I am the way I am. I attribute that to being able to choose intimacy for the resolution in stage 6 of Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. I do not have the close relationship with my family like I would love to have, but I have never struggled with finding deep and meaningful friendships and my relationship history is fairly healthy with long term commitments to few partners. I was explained to what a healthy relationship is and how important deep intimate connections are for my well-being.

“Erikson believed that it was vital to develop close, committed relationships with other people. As people enter adulthood, these emotionally intimate relationships play a critical role in a person's emotional well-being.”

https://www.verywellmind.com/intimacy-versus-isolation-2795739

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In the 7th stage, adults 40-65 try to figure out how they can contribute to the world to be a productive member of society. If they continue to work on things they are passionate about, they will feel generative, however if they lack motivation to be productive, it may lead them to stagnation and feeling stuck where they are.

I have yet to make it to stage 7, but if I were to speculate my resolution, I would choose generativity. I am passionate in my desire to obtain my elementary degree where I will be educating the next generation. I’m also in a relationship where we will eventually be parents. With all of this combined I believe it will allow me to feel successful and accomplished in my career and life.

“Generativity refers to "making your mark" on the world by caring for others, as well as through creating and accomplishing things that make the world a better place.”

https://www.verywellmind.com/generativity-versus-stagnation-2795734

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Stage 8 is the final stage in Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, where older adults, 65-death, reflect on their life and decide if they lived a meaningful life or wasted it. Lacking regret and feeling a sense of success and acceptance can lead a person to integrity. Where the feeling of being unproductive, hopeless or bitter may suggest a life of despair.

Again, if I were to speculate my resolution for stage 8, I would choose integrity. Hoping and believing that elementary education is the right path for me, and having the drive and desire to start a family once stable enough for children would keep me hopeful that I will feel whole in myself and my life and find success in what I was able to accomplish.

“Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction.”

https://www.verywellmind.com/integrity-versus-despair-2795738