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What is it?

The first stage is the Eriksons stages happen in infancy, from birth to year one. This first stage is where a child will see if their needs are being mean. They will determine if their parent is nurturing, likewise how the world will be. A kind parent equals a child growing up to think better of others and believe all will be as kind as their parent. “If trust predominates, as it should, children develop hope: the belief they can fulfill their needs and obtain their desires.“

My view

As a child, my needs were met by my mother and grandmother. I had two nurturing parents figures in my life that made sure I was fed, loved, and taken care of. This led me to trust.

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In stage 2, we are met with autonomy vs shame and doubt. This begins in early childhood, ranging from 2 to 3 years old. This stage revolves around children beginning to find a sense of independence and how to walk or use their physical capabilities more. If a child is supported, they will explore more and be more prone to try more activities. However, if not properly supported this may cause a lack of confidence in their abilities and low self esteem. “Because unlimited freedom is neither safe nor healthy, said Erikson, shame and doubt also have a necessary place. Toddlers need adults to set appropriate limits, and shame and doubt help them recognize the need for those limits.”

My view :

As a child, I was encouraged into many different activities, and later on participated in many sports or “little leagues”. I was given autonomy as my final choice in this stage.

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In stage 3, we are in the play age. This can range form 3 to 6 years old. At this stage, children begin to become mini leaders, or take initiative specifically in play or with their peers. If a child is encouraged to take initiative, this encourages the child to think of more independent ideas and activities for themselves. “This conflict marks a split between two parts of the personality: the part that remains a child, full of exuberance and a desire to test new powers, and the part that is becoming an adult, constantly examining the propriety of motives and actions.”

My view:

As a child, I was drawn to art related activities and crafts. This pushed me to be more creative and choose to play alone. My mother supported this and played into my creative and independent ideas by buying me art supplies or encouraging me verbally. I was supported properly so I took initiative.

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Stage 4 ranges from the ages five and twelve. Self esteem occurs in a large part of this stage as children begin to compare themselves to their peers. When supported, they become more likely to participate in team work. They feel confident like their abilities are just as worthy as their peers. On the the other hand, if not supported, children can feel inferior to their peers. Gender and culture are some factors in what is considered “impressive” compared to their peers, “the details may vary across societies: Arapesh boys in New Guinea learn to make bows and arrows and to lay traps for rats; Inuit children of Alaska learn to hunt and fish; and children in industrialized countries learn to read, write, do math, and use computers.”

My view:

As I got older, I started to lose support. My abilities weren’t the best academically and my art interests weren’t appealing anymore. This caused me to think of the abilities I did have to be “useless”, causing inferiority.

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We are at the ages 12-18 years old in this stage. This stage is where many teens are finding their purpose, or determining their identity and values. When teens are supported in this segment, they flow through with confidence and have a well understanding of what they believe in, want, and have goals for. When a teen is not supported through this transition, they may have feelings similar to imposter syndrome or not knowing what they actually want, affecting their career and goals in life. Religion, race, sexuality, gender, and social status can affect the pace and specific affects of finding an identity. “Friends are likely to report similar levels of identity exploration and commitment, especially if they are both ethnic minority members and if they frequently discuss issues of race or ethnicity (Syed & Juan, 2012).”

My View:

As a teen that recently was in this stage, I was not heavily supported which caused me to be confused by my long term goals and resent certain aspects of my life. This was a confusing time and could have been much easier and more fun if I’d had support.

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In stage 6, the ages range from 18 to 40 years old. This is early adulthood, and where many form deep relationships and may become parents. Those that are successful in this stage form many genuine relationships and even mutual dependency, choosing intimacy. If an adult ends up in more isolation, they can feel alone, stuck, rejected, and more.

My view:

While I have entered this stage, I’m only 19. However, I can plan and gravitate towards intimacy by keeping up with my current relationships and continuing to form friendships.

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In our second to last stage were in the age range 40 to 65 years old, the middle adulthood stage. This stage focuses on building families and contributing to society. If generativity, individuals will feel completion in either having children or working at something they deem valuable. However, some can feel stagnation if they don’t feel a purpose or if they’re doing anything worth while.

My view:

In my current goals, I plan to have children and a fulfilling career to give me purpose.

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In the final stage, the ages range from 65 till death. This stage is where we look back on our life and can tell if we have led a fulfilling or successful life. It can give the individual a clear feeling of finding a purpose or knowing they have no large regrets. But for some, they may feel regret towards major events and feel despair.

My View:

While I am in this stage, I feel that with my current goals and plans I will lead a life of fulfillment and be content with my choices in life.