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During our initial 18 months

In stage 1 children are uncertain about the world that they live in which causes the child to find themselves trying to develop basic trust.

I left stage 1 of my life with trust. Both of my parents always took good care of me and made sure I had all my basic necessities and more. “After all, we are entirely reliant on our caregivers for warmth, love, stability, and nurturing. If reliable and predictable, we gain confidence, a sense of security, and a feeling of safety in the world” (Syed & McLean, 2018). I have gained my confidence from my parents.

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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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18 months to 3 years

In stage 2 children are gaining their independence and control over our physical skills.

I left stage 2 with Autonomy. “Autonomy involves making independent decisions that align with personal values and goals instead of being coerced by external forces” (Cherry, 2023) I have always been an independent girl and have always had strong values in my faith.

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Occurs during preschool, between the ages of 3 and 5 years.

In stage 3 children are learning to assert themselves and begin to have direct play and different social interactions.

I left stage 3 with initiative. “If we are successful in stage three, we learn to feel capable, secure, and able to use our initiative” (Sutton, 2020). I have always had the willingness to get work done. I love leading others and taking charge.

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ages 5 to 12 years

In stage 4 children are wanting to win approval of family members, student peers, and teachers.

I left stage 4 with Industry. “If successful, development leads to the virtue of competence, while failure can result in a sense of inferiority, where we feel unable to perform specific skills” (Sutton, 2020). I was able to perform specific skills and I completed my assignments in school and activities outside of school.

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Stage 5: Identity Versus Role Confusion

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Stage 5: Identity Versus Role Confusion

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ages 12 to 18

In stage 5 children are exploring beliefs, goals, and values while searching for their own personal identity and a sense of themselves.

I left stage 5 with my identity. I have always had a strong sense of self worth. I believe that my parents and my faith in god have installed my sense of confidence in my beliefs, goals, and values. “With appropriate encouragement and reinforcement, we move toward increasing independence and a stronger sense of control and self” (Marcia, 2010). I believe my parents and grandparents gave me the appropriate amount of encouragement and reinforcement that I was able to become independent at a younger age than most.

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ages of 18 and 40

In stage 6 young adults have major conflicts that can arise as they attempt to form longer term commitments or relationships outside of their family and issues can arise when they are in search of their degrees and jobs.

I believe I will leave this stage with Intimacy. I plan to be married and have several kids. “Positive outcomes result in healthy, happy relationships that are secure and enduring, developing the virtue of love” (Sutton, 2020). I plan on having a strong, happy, faith filled  relationship with my husband.

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Stage 7: Generativity Versus Stagnation

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Stage 7: Generativity Versus Stagnation

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40 and 65 years of age

In stage 7 middle aged adults aim to make a mark on the world, they try to nurture things that will outlive themselves. Some people focus on children, jobs, and/or organizations.

I believe I will leave this stage with Generativity. “Life’s continuation in our children or the long-term impact we have on others” (Sutton, 2020). I plan on raising my children to be kind, caring, and god loving people. I plan on being a teacher that teaches all the kids to always put their best selves forward and try their best at everything they do.

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65 years of age to death

In stage 8 the elderly are taking a reflection of their life. They slow down and are less productive. They spend time reviewing their accomplishments throughout their life.

I believe I will leave this stage with Integrity. I think I will be able to look back at my life and be able to appreciate what I did with my kids, at my school, and with my church. “A sense of coherence and wholeness” (Erikson, 1982). I believe I will have a sense of wholeness when my whole family gathers around together.