My Erikson Development Timeline by Astrid Machin

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

amachin8 — 2024-04-28 20:28:45 UTC

Erikson's first stage of development is one of the most important stages of an individual development. During this stage, the child feels uncertain about their world and relies entirely on their caregiver to meet their needs. After talking to my mother, she explained that during that stage, whenever I cried, she or my father would pick me up and hold me, and understand how to meet my needs such as providing me with milk and soothing me by rocking me on a chair. She also mentioned that I loved being rocked on the chair, and she would sing songs to calm me down.

"In these early months, babies need to develop a balance between trust, which lets them form intimate relationships, and mistrust, which enables them to protect themselves" (Martorell, 2023, p. 151).

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

amachin8 — 2024-04-28 22:04:31 UTC

During the second stage of Erikson's development, children learn to be more independent and explore their abilities by trying things on their own. It is crucial for parents to encourage their children to develop autonomy and not be too overprotective by preventing them from exploring and doing things by themselves. Being overly protective can lead to the development of shame and doubt in children. Based on the information provided by my mother, during this stage, I was allowed to explore and try things on my own, such as potty training, opening cabinets and taking out pots, coloring, and playing with toys.

"Having come through infancy with a sense of basic trust in the world and an awakening self-awareness, toddlers begin to substitute their own judgement for their caregivers'. The strength that emerges during this stage is will" (Martorell, 2023, p. 156-157).

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

amachin8 — 2024-04-28 23:04:01 UTC

In Erikson's third stage of development, children begin to learn how to play and communicate with others. At this stage, kids learn to take control and assert power over their surroundings by initiating play and social interactions. During this stage, my mother explained that I interacted well with other children by playing games. Additionally, she mentioned that I enjoyed pretend play, such as being a cashier, singer, and teacher. My mother emphasized that I was great at playing with other kids and socializing.

"Child develops initiative when trying new activities and does not feel overwhelmed by guilt" (Martorell, 2023, p. 12).

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

amachin8 — 2024-04-29 00:24:31 UTC

During the fourth stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, children tend to display a genuine curiosity in understanding how things work. They may engage in several activities, putting their knowledge and skills to the test. Therefore, it becomes crucial for children to receive support from their school, home or peer group. Furthermore, if children receive encouragement and positive feedback for their initiatives, they develop a sense of competence and confidence in achieving their goals. Based on my mother's feedback, during this stage I was eager to learn and accomplish more complex skills. For example, I took piano and flute lessons, as well as tennis lessons. Accomplishing these activities gave me a sense of pride and competence.

"According to Erikson (1998), a major determinant of self-esteem is children's view of their capacity for productive work, which develops in his fourth stage of psychosocial development. As with all of Erikson's stages, there is an opportunity for growth represented by a sense of industry and a complementary risk represented by inferiority" (Martorell, 2023, p. 276).

Stage 5: Identity vs. Identity Confusion

amachin8 — 2024-04-29 01:56:50 UTC

Erikson's fifth stage is an important phase in an adolescent's life. During this stage, adolescents begin to show more independence and distance themselves from their parents, developing a sense of self. They start to form their own identity and ask themselves the question, "Who am I?" During this stage of my life, I remember being determined to understand who I was and who I wanted to become in the future. I experimented with different hairstyles, clothing styles, music genres, and sports to find what suited me best. Additionally, my religion and values were very important to me. I was raised in a Christian environment, which had a significant impact on my decision-making process and continues to influence me to this day. Being a Christian and having good values has always been a part of my identity and who I am.

"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. The effort to make sense of the self is part of a healthy process that builds on the achievements of earlier stages-on trust, autonomy, initiative, and industry-and lays the groundwork for coping with the challenges of adult life" (Martorell, 2023, p. 336-337).

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

amachin8 — 2024-04-29 02:56:43 UTC

In Erikson's sixth stage of development, individuals form intimate relationships such as romantic partners or close, enduring friendships. The ability to build healthy and intimate relationships with both romantic partners and close friends is an example of intimacy. On the other hand, if no social connections are formed or if poor and unhealthy relationships are developed, isolation may occur.

During this stage, I have been fortunate enough to cultivate enduring friendships and a long-lasting marriage. I have two close friends whom I have known for over 18 to 22 years, and I have been married for 13 years thus far. As a result, I have developed a strong sense of intimacy.

"Person seeks to make commitments to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption" (Martorell, 2023, p. 12).

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

amachin8 — 2024-04-29 03:24:40 UTC

In this seventh stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, adults start thinking about the next generation and the need to guide them. During this stage, adults contemplate about their legacy and the need to guide future generations. They reflect on their lives and evaluate what they are leaving for the next generation. If people feel content about what they leave behind, they will feel satisfied and proud. However, if they do not feel good about it, they might experience feelings of embarrassment affecting their social development during this stage. Although I am still not in this stage of development, I believe I will contribute to the well-being of others and society as a whole. Also, I see myself creating new ideas, and being productive both professionally and personally. Therefore, I will develop generativity and make a positive and on others and society.

"Mature adult is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels personal impoverishment" (Martorell, 2023, p. 12).

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair

amachin8 — 2024-04-29 03:41:19 UTC

This is the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial development theory characterized by introspection and self-evaluation. During this stage, individuals reflect on their life choices, achievements, and regrets. If they feel content with their decisions and actions, they develop a sense of integrity. However, if they are dissatisfied with their outcomes, they develop a sense of despair. While I may not be at this stage yet, I firmly believe that in life, the decisions and actions we take may not always be the best. However, I always strive to make the best decisions possible and avoid regretting any of them to prevent feeling despair. With this in mind, I see myself building a strong sense of integrity.

"Elderly person achieves acceptance of own life, allowing acceptance of death, or else despairs over inability to relive life" (Martorell, 2023, p. 12).