Timeline by Annabelle John

Trust vs. Mistrust (0-18 months)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 00:58:47 UTC

In this stage, a person develops a sense of safety and trust. When a person experiences good, consistent care and attention from their caregiver, the infant develops trust. However, if infants are shown the opposite, they will develop mistrust and fear towards the world. At this age, my mom and dad made sure my needs were met and that I had consistent routines that I could trust. The result of that is that I formed trust to my parents and to the world.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 months-3 years)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 00:59:27 UTC

In this stage, a toddler develops independence or self-doubt. When a caregiver does not allow the child to do things themselves but rather does everything for them, the child does not gain autonomy. But children who are encouraged to try things on their own develop independence and confidence. When I was at this age, my parents would ask me to do certain things that in the past they would usually do for me. This caused me to gain confidence in what I can do.

Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 01:00:19 UTC

In this stage, a child develops either initiative or guilt with trying new things. When a child is placed in an environment where they are encouraged to make decisions and explore, they develop initiative. But when the child is in an opposite environment where there is a lot of criticism and control, the child develops a sense of guilt and shame. The child may feel shame for failing or may not want to try new things. When I was at this age, my mom and dad encouraged me to be creative in play and to do things out of my comfort zone, because of this, I gained enthusiasm for trying new things.

Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 01:00:43 UTC

At this age, a child develops either industry or inferiority in their work and in what they do. A child has two options: they could develop low self-esteem and a fear of not being good enough, or they could develop confidence in their work. Usually, if a child does very well with school work, they stay motivated and feel accomplished, but if a child is constantly facing failures, they are more likely to feel inferior and develop a fear of trying new things. At this age, I struggled a decent amount in certain school subjects, but my parents were very supportive and encouraged me to keep working hard. Therefore, I developed a sense of industry.

Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-40 years)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 01:01:16 UTC

During this stage, adults either form strong relationships or struggle to do so. Intimacy is having strong relationships based on trust, vulnerability, and connection. Isolation is not being able to form these relationships, and it leads to loneliness and a feeling of not belonging. The stage before this (Identity vs. Role Confusion) is crucial for this stage. Without a sense of identity, it is nearly impossible to form strong relationships with others. Because I have had a strong sense of identity, it has not been very challenging to form strong relationships with friends.

Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 01:01:39 UTC

During this stage, adults either focus on bettering things around them, like doing meaningful work, spending time with their children, etc., or adults will feel disconnected and useless, therefore doing nothing. At this age, I would hope to have a family that I could pour into and to have meaningful work where I am making a difference in people's lives.

Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65+)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 01:01:58 UTC

At the last stage, adults reflect on their life and either develop integrity or despair. Integrity would be feeling like they have lived a fulfilling life, and being content and satisfied with their life. Despair would be feeling very regretful and like their life was meaningless. When I am at this stage, I hope to have a lot of life wisdom to pass to my children and grandchildren. I also hope that I am proud and at peace with the life I have lived.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years)

annabellejohn3 — 2025-04-28 01:07:39 UTC

At this age, teens figure out who they are and develop a sense of what they think. During these years, the teen explores what they believe, career options, and develops a sense of self. When they are supported to explore these, teens develop a strong sense of self and identity, but when they are not supported, the teens develop role confusion and may not have much direction in life, or may not have a sense of self. At this age, my parents supported me and gave me resources to help identify what I may want to do for a career and figure out my future. This caused me to gain a sense of self and prepare goals for my future early on.