# data[].attributes.body
Trust vs. Mistrust is the first conflict of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Trust vs. Mistrust is marked by an infants ability to understand that the world is safe and other people can be trusted, or not. The textbook describes this stage by saying "People need to trust the world and the people in it, but they also need to learn some mistrust to protect themselves from danger." When talking to my parents, they shared with me that I was a very fussy and particular baby. My mom always tried to soothe me and meet my emotional or physical needs. Due to this reliability in caretaking when I needed it, and my internal development and beliefs after this stage, I believe that I resolved this stage in Trust.

# data[].attributes.body
The next stage in Erikson's theory is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. Successful integration in this stage leads children to develop confidence, independence, and the ability to assert their will. The textbook describes this emergence, "As children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent." As a toddler, my parents told me that I was always eager to try new things or help them out. They described me wanting to wear my hair a certain way, picking out my clothing, wanting to help sweep the floors, and becoming less clingy than I was as an infant. All of these are markers of healthy autonomy and independence, therefore this stage was resolved in the development of will.

# data[].attributes.body
The third stage of Erikson's theory is Initiative vs. Guilt. This stage helps children develop courage and understand appropriate social behaviors. Children are continuing to learn about the world, build friendships, and develop independence, but they are also learning there are things that do not meet social approval. The textbook states, "Children who learn how to regulate these opposing drives develop the virtue of purpose, the courage to envision and pursue goals without being unduly inhibited by guilt or fear of punishment."  In my experience, I developed this in the social atmosphere of school. This was my first experience with larger groups of children, and I needed to practice social graces such as sharing, inclusion, and playing nicely with others. There were definitely corrections and learning experiences I went through to develop these skills, but I feel as if this stage also successfully resolved.

# data[].attributes.body
In Erikson's fourth stage of development, children go experience the crisis of Industry vs. Inferiority. During this stage, children are developing some of the fundamental academic skills needed for success, they may start to engage in athletic activities or find other hobbies, and friendships become more important. Positive affirmations and positive reinforcement from teachers, parents, and peers are crucial to a healthy development of industry (competence and confidence). However, if this does not occur, the textbook tells us, "If children are unable to obtain praise of others or lack motivation and self-esteem, they may develop a feeling of low self-worth and thus develop a sense of inferiority." When analyzing this stage for myself, it is one of the more difficult ones to place. Academically, I believe I developed a lot of industry and confidence in my skills as a student and professionally. However, my sense of self worth and self-esteem has been something I've struggled with since I can remember. In addition to this, I have had a pattern since youth of giving up on extracurriculars due to feeling like I wasn't "good enough". This happened with dance at age 7, basketball at age 10, volleyball in middle school, and golf as a freshman in high school. With all this considered, I lean more heavily into concluding that this stage resolved in Inferiority.

# data[].attributes.headline
Stage 5: Identity vs. Identity Confusion

# data[].attributes.subject
Stage 5: Identity vs. Identity Confusion

# data[].attributes.body
The 5th stage of Erikson's theory of development is Identity vs. Identity Confusion. During this stage, adolescents go through the process of "finding themselves." They begin to gain clarity on their personal values, career and life aspirations, sexuality, and the way they can happily fit into and navigate society. Our textbook states, "...the timeout period that adolescence provides allows young people to search for commitments to which they can be faithful." These teenage years are full of self-discovery and allow children to gain deeper understanding of who they are and what is important to them. I spent much of this time navigating social relationships, experimenting with different hobbies such as; art, music, and golf, and thinking about what my goals were after high school. It took me until I was about 20 to finally reach a secure amount of clarity on these things, but I do believe this successfully resolved in a strong sense of Identity.

# data[].attributes.body
Stage 6 of Erikson's theory of development is Intimacy vs. Isolation. The primary psychosocial conflict of this stage is forming intimate and loving relationships. These relationships are different from earlier life relationships, because there is more focus is on longevity and deeper connection. Some of these relationships may even develop into marriage, a major life milestone for many people. The book describes this stage as, "Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption." For me, I am still in the very beginning of this stage and have not yet met a partner who I could envision creating a life with. However, most of my friends have been in my life for 7 or more years. These friendships are loving and intimate (on a non-physical level). Considering this, I feel confident in my ability to make commitments and to stay loyal, loving, and secure in relationships. I believe this stage will resolve successfully.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the last stages of psychosocial development is Generativity vs. Stagnation. This stage revolves around continuing an involved life, giving back, and "making your mark". To live a generative life could look like raising children or grandchildren, being involved with your community, or finding a fulfilling career. This gives one the sense of belonging and purpose. Stagnation could result in a feeling of "personal impoverishment", per our textbook. It is my hope that one day I will resolve this stage in generativity. I hope to do this by parenting children, becoming a teacher and positively impacting our next generation, and by being involved in a happy community.

# data[].attributes.body
The final stage of Erikson's theory is Integrity vs. Despair. This stage lasts for elderly adults until the time of death. Much reflection occurs during this stage, and many people deal with the crisis of facing their own morality. Positive feelings about the life one has lived, and an acceptance of both life and death will result in integrity. Feelings of despair can come from an inability to accept death, being unable to relive life, or holding on to regret. It is my hope that I will feel proud of my life and accepting of death when it is my time to go. I can do this by following my heart during my youth and experiencing life to the fullest.