My Erikson's Development Timeline by Jazmine Bowling

Stage 1: Trust vs Mistrust

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:17:32 UTC

Jaxon is 1 year old and is having his diaper changed by his caregivers. This crisis in the first stage of Erikson’s theory, trust versus mistrust, is that Jaxon must be able to trust his caregivers too and realize that the world is safe. If he can’t trust his caregivers, then mistrust will occur between his caregivers and the world.

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During this stage, Jaxon learned to trust others and develop a sense of security.

Resolution- Development of trust. During infancy, Jaxon learned to rely on his caregivers (parents and grandparents) for basic needs and developed a sense of trust in the world around him. Trust is truly essential for building healthy relationships.

Quote: “Baby develops sense of whether world is a good and safe place” (12).

Stage 2: Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:19:03 UTC

Jaxon is only 2 years old and is going to play with other children at a playdate his mother scheduled. They are going to meet at a friend’s home and will be under the supervision of all of the mothers. The crisis in the second stage of Erikson's theory, autonomy versus shame and doubt, is that Jaxon must be able to make some of the decisions for himself and start forming an identity. If he can't then shame and doubt occur.

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During this stage, Jaxon was developing his sense of independence and control over his very own actions.

Resolution- Development of Autonomy. During this stage, Jaxon started to assert his independence and gain sense of control. Developing autonomy allowed him to explore and learn about the world around him.

Quote: “Erikson (1950) identified the period from about 18 months to 3 years as the 2^nd stage on psychosocial development, autonomy versus shame and doubt” (156).

Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:19:53 UTC

Jaxon is 4 years old and wants to start dressing himself. In Erikson’s third stage called initiative versus guilt, Jaxon must be able to explore and initiate his own activities. If his caregivers do not allow him to dress himself or criticize him then guilt can occur.

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During this stage, Jaxon started to explore and take initiative in his activities, developing his own sense of purpose.

Resolution- Development of initiative. During this stage, Jaxon began to take initiative in his activities. Initiative helped him build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Quote: “Child develops initiative when trying new activities and is not overwhelmed by guild” (12).

Stage 4: Industry vs Inferiority

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:22:09 UTC

Jaxon in 10 years old and wants to start helping cook dinner at night. In Erikson’s fourth stage called industry versus inferiority, Jaxon must be able to help and contribute. If his caregivers do not allow him to help, then inferiority occurs.

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During this stage, Jaxon started having the desire to achieve and accomplish tasks, building his sense of competence.

Resolution- Development of industry. During this stage, Jaxon strived to achieve and accomplish tasks. Developing a strong sense of work ethic and a sense of industry prepared him for future challenges.

Quote: “Child must learn skills of the culture or face feelings of incompetence” (12).

Stage 5: Identity vs Role Confusion

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:23:08 UTC

Jaxon is 14 and a freshman in high school. He decides to try out for the school’s basketball team along with some of his friends. In Erikson's fifth stage called identity versus role confusion, Jaxon must realize what his capabilities are and how they'll fit into society and culture. If he can't do this, role confusion occurs.

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During this stage, Jaxon starts to explore and develop his own personal identity, figuring out who he is and what he wants to truly become.

Resolution- Development of identity. During adolescence Jaxon started to explore his own identity, figuring out his values, beliefs and future goals. Developing a strong sense of identity will help him navigate the complexities of adulthood.

Quote: “Adolescent must determine sense of self (“Who am I?”) or experience confusion about roles” (12).

Stage 6: Intimacy vs Isolation

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:24:32 UTC

Jaxon is 25 and is moving in with his longtime girlfriend and soon to be fiancé. They found an apartment and are extremely excited about moving in together for the very first time. Erikson's sixth theory, intimacy versus isolation, the crisis is Jaxon risking newly formed identity and entering a long-term relationship. If Jaxon can't do that, then that is when isolation occurs.

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*Jaxon has not reached this point yet*

Resolution- Development of intimacy. During this stage, Jaxon will seek a form of close and meaningful relationship with others, whether it is romantic, friends or deep connections with his own family. Developing intimacy is important as it allows for emotional closeness, trust and a sense of belonging.

Quote: “Person seeks to make commitment to others or may suffer from isolation and self-absorption” (12).

Stage 7: Generativity vs Stagnation

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:25:40 UTC

Jaxon is 42 and wants to start his own charity to give back to his community. In Erikson’s seventh theory, Jaxon must be able to contribute to the next generation and work on making a positive impact in his own community. If Jaxon can’t do this, stagnation occurs.

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*Jaxon has not at this point yet*

Resolution- Development of generativity. In middle age, Jaxon will focus on contributing to the next generation and working on making a positive impact on his community and society. This is important as it brings a sense of fulfillment and a legacy to pass on in his family.

Quote: “Mature adult is concerned with establishing and guiding the next generation or else feels person impoverishment” (12).

Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair

jbowling65 — 2023-11-29 23:29:24 UTC

Jaxon is 65 years old and is looking back on the life he lived, the family he has created and the legacy he will leave behind. In Erikson’s eighth theory, Jaxon must be able to come to terms of what he has accomplished and even live with his regrets. If Jaxon cannot come to terms with the life he has lived then despair occurs.

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*Jaxon has not reached this point yet*

Resolution- Development of integrity. During this stage, Jaxon will reflect of his life and come to terms with what he has accomplished as well as what he regrets in his life experiences. Developing integrity is important as it involves accepting oneself and finding meaning in one’s life as well as embracing the final stages with a sense of peace in mind.

Quote: “Erikson’s (1950) theory of psychosocial development covers eight stages across the life span” (13).