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The first phase of Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development is trust versus mistrust. This stage starts out at the beginning of a baby's life and lasts about a year and a half. Infants during this stage are seeking stability and consistency of care from their guardians since they are not yet aware of the world, they live in. The child will obtain trust in the guardians if their guardians are consistent and loving. This will also help them believe that the world can be a secure place and that people can be loving and dependable. The child can grow to be distrustful and unconfident if the guardians in their life do not give them enough love and care. "The critical element in developing trust is sensitive, responsive, consistent caregiving" (Martorell, 2023, p. 150). When I was a child, my parents made sure that they had a consistent schedule for me, and they showed me in many ways that I was loved by them. They made sure to spent time with me even with their crazy busy schedules.

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The second stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development is autonomy versus shame and doubt. This stage happens between 18 months to around 3 years. In this period in a child’s life children are learning to gain a sense of control over their physical abilities as well as their independence. A child will become more secure in their ability to survive if they are supported in developing their independence. On the other hand, “unlimited freedom is neither safe nor healthy,” said Erikson, shame and doubt also have a necessary place (Martorell, 2023, p. 157). Early on in my childhood I can remember my parents always trying to help me and encourage me to do things by myself. They would help me do something for the first time I would try something but then let me try to do it on my own which encouraged me to be more independent.

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The third stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development is initiative versus guilt. This stage typically occurs in children around preschool age. Children begin to engage in more interactive play during this stage.  Children start to take the initiative in having organized play and helping with chores around the house. They can feel embarrassed about their goals and desires if they are ridiculed for their efforts and not given the chance to engage in independent play.  Children begin to become more creative with the games they play and more conversational. They can grow to feel confident in their abilities and better able to make judgements when given the chance to do so. I remember playing more with children that were not my siblings and becoming more aware of what games they wanted to play. We loved to playhouse and hide and seek. “They are learning that some of the things they want to do meet social approval, whereas others do not" (Martorell, 2023, p. 146).

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The fourth stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development is industry versus inferiority. This stage happens between the age of five and twelve. Children will begin to understand their abilities and compare themselves to other children their age. When children are encouraged by teachers to learn and practice their skills, they will feel more confident in their ability to accomplish things. Children who are taught new things with the support of their parents will become more competent. Children will begin to understand that they can use their skills to work and get along with others. If children are not supported by their parents in learning how to do new things this makes them doubt their abilities. They come to think of themselves as not very good at things and if they are given negative feedback, they feel inadequate.  I was at first a very slow reader and had a hard time learning how to read. My mom was very encouraging and spent time helping me learn how to become an adequate reader, "If children are unable to obtain the 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" (Martorell, 2023, p. 275).

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The fifth stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development is identity versus confusion. This normally happens in adolescence, between the ages of 12 and 18 years. They go through a tough period where they are searching for their purpose and finding out who they are as individuals. The adolescents who were encouraged and were given some freedoms are better equipped with a sense of independence. They will develop their sense of identity and find out who they want to become. They find out what they enjoy and what they hope to do in the future. They may become confused about their roles if they are held back and not given freedom to explore. If they are constrained, they will start to become resentful.  During that stage in my life there were a lot of major life changes that happened. My parents were supportive and gave me the freedom to choose where I wanted to work. I also discovered my love for taking care of children and the love of reading. "The chief task of adolescence, said Erikson (1968), is to confront the crisis of identity versus identity confusion in order to become a unique adult with a coherent sense of self and a valued role in society" (Martorell, 2023, p. 257).

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The sixth stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is intimacy versus isolation. This stage occurs between the ages of 18 and 40. During this stage young adults develop deeper friendships with others. They learn to make connections with others, and they develop close bonds. They can have trouble forming close relationships if they have had relationships where they were rejected or mistreated. This can lead to them feeling isolated and give them a fear of rejection.  Also, at this stage people start forming long term commitments. I have been able to build more meaningful and deep relationships during my college years. I am learning to open myself up to people to build better relationships. "Previous data on social isolation indicate it is strongly associated with an increase in depression and anxiety" (Martorell, 2023, p. 311).

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The seventh stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development is generativity versus stagnation. This stage is from the ages of 40 and 65. During this time people tend to focus on building their lives. This normally occurs with their employment, families, and ways they contribute to their community. People who have a sense of generativity want to make a difference in the world. They do this by having children and contributing to making the world a safer place. People that may feel stagnant believe they do not have an impact on the world and feel that they are not doing productive things. I think that if I pursue my career as a teacher that I will feel like I am accomplishing something good. Having children to care for will also hopefully help me have a sense of generativity. "People continue to shape their development throughout their lifespans" (Martorell, 2023, p. 357).

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The eighth and very last stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is integrity versus despair. This period is normally from 65 till death. During this period, we tend to look back on our past and reflect on if we have or have not lived an enjoyable life. Individuals who have lived a life and are not regretful of how they lived it will have an easier time letting go of life. People who may have lived a life they are not proud of and feel remorse about will feel unsatisfied with life. I believe people who have lived a long life should never give up. They still have a life here on earth and can still be an encouragement and help to those around them. "We each continue to write and experience the story of human development for ourselves and our society for as long as we live" (Martorell, 2023, p. 358). When I grow old, I hope to still try my best to live life and be a positive influence with those around me.

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