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As an infant, we are faced with examining the world around us. During this time, we are experiencing Erikson's first stage of Development: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust. Trust is an important factor in life. According to Gabriella Martorell, "The critical element in developing trust is sensitive, responsive, consistent caregiving." (p. 150) As infants, we are unable to care for ourselves so, we equip with help from the world around us to adjust. Infants have needs. If their basic needs are addressed, they will begin to establish trust and believe that the world around them is safe. If an infant's needs are not addressed, they will develop mistrust and believe the world around them is hazardous, making it difficult for them to create sufficient relationships. When I was an infant, my mother stayed at home with my older sister and me while her boyfriend worked. My mother fed me and showered me with affection. However, we did move around a lot, and the environment I was in wasn't always the most comfortable. I believe this has caused me to develop mistrust in my life.

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In Erikson's second stage of development, children experience whether they can rely on more independence within themselves to do things on their own and test their limits. They have gained autonomy if they can execute those tasks on their own and they child feels more confident. If the child believes they are unable to do these tasks on their own, they may have developed feelings of shame and doubt. This could be due to feeling overly criticized or a lack of parental support to conduct activities on their own. "Toddlers need adults to set appropriate limits, and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits." (Martorell, p. 157) There is a way to effectively set limits so that the child can complete certain actions while also understanding why other tasks are not yet within their capability. My mother always allowed me to put on my own shoes and choose my own clothes when I was younger. I also got to choose what I ate for dinner on some days. Allowing me to do this gave me a sense of autonomy.

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In Erikson's third stage of development, children begin to become active in interpersonal relationships and they can take the initiative and control what happens. This is where parents provide greater possibilities for their children to form connections with others and explore the world around them. If children do not have these possibilities because their parents are more controlling and do not allow their children to take the initiative, they may lack ambition and may be filled with guilt. "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." (Martorell, p. 210) Children should be given the opportunity to take the initiative so that they can develop self-confidence and a sense of purpose. I didn't go to preschool, but I did have play dates. I was able to take the initiative by inviting neighbors to play at my house, where we got to play on my playground set and play with play dough.

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In Erikson's fourth stage of development, children are becoming more involved in productive work and setting goals for themselves, and learning new skills. When children are developing a sense of industry, they believe they can set goals and reach them if they work hard enough. However, if children are unmotivated and do not receive praise from others, and feel society is too demanding, they may develop feelings of inferiority.  There are pros and cons to this stage. For example, "If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks." (Martorell, p. 276) However, if children become overly industrious, they may become completely absorbed in their work and disregard any social relationships. At this time in my life, I was involved in sports such as cheerleading and softball. I also maintained a high level of productivity in school and was on the A-B honor roll. As a result of this behavior, I adopted an industrious attitude.

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In Erikson's fifth stage of development, is where adolescents learn to grasp their position in society, what they want to do in life, and where they want to go. They attempt to form their identity. "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." (Martorell, p. 336) This is a vital stage for adolescents to determine their identity and if they don't search for it, they may not develop a strong sense of self leaving them with role confusion. I'm at this point in my life where I'm determining my sense of self and finding my identity. I believe I have an idea of where I want my life to go but I definitely believe I am experiencing role confusion. I'm still determining where I want to go in life and what my next steps are.

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In Erikson's sixth stage of development, this is where people start to get involved in intimate relationships. They meet other people and form strong connections which in turn can lead to long-lasting relationships. It's during this time that a "Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation or self-absorption." (Martorell, p. 11) This stage is based on your identity, therefore if you don't have a strong sense of identity yet, you're probably not ready to create meaningful relationships. I've discovered that while I'm still trying to find my identity in this world, it's important to focus on that first before allowing myself to branch out and meet people so then I can build a strong connection with and come into a new relationship. So, at this point, I believe I'm in the isolation stage.

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In Erikson's seventh stage of development, is the time to for a person to raise their children. It's also a need to give to others. For example, preparing your child (the next generation) for their life and future and teaching them how to navigate through life. By taking on this role, a person is going through generativity. A mature adult " is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels personal impoverishment." (Martorell, p. 11) If a person fails to express generativity, they will experience stagnation and may be unmotivated to invest in personal growth or productivity. I believe that my desire to pursue a profession in education and to educate the minds of the next generation falls more into generativity. I also have some interest in being more involved with my community. For example, I'm doing the summer school program at our local elementary school to help kids that are struggling in certain areas.

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Erikson's eighth and last stage of development occurs when a person reaches an advanced age and begins to reflect on their life, asking themselves, "Did I live my life to the fullest?" The pace of their lives has slowed, and they've begun to recognize everything they've accomplished. Then they are faced with two choices: Integrity and Despair. They lived with integrity if they lived their lives as they desired, in peace, and with a sense of being whole. However, if they lived their lives with regret and the feeling that they wasted their lives and didn't truly live, they realized that they live in despair. "Elderly achieves acceptance of own life, allowing acceptance of death, or else despairs inability to relive life." (Martorell, p.11) I anticipate that when I reach this stage in my life, I will have lived with integrity. Every day will have been lived to the fullest. All of my triumphs and achievements will have made me quite proud. I will forever be thankful for my family and the people who surround me. By that time, I will have learned to accept death as it comes and will have no need for regrets or despair.

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Martorell, G. (2023). Child, 3rd edition. McGraw Hill