I resolved this stage of development with trust because my mother always kept me safe and made me feel loved as a baby. "The critical element in developing trust is sensitive, responsive, consistent caregiving," states the author of "Child." Because my mother did these things, I was able to develop the ability to trust.

I resolved with autonomy because I chose to play with toys on my own, while still choosing to stay in places my mom told me to stay in. Martorell tells us "[a]s children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent." This shows that my choice for independence was closer to autonomy than shame and doubt.

Martorell mentions children learn during this stage that "some of the things they want to do meet social approval, whereas others do not." I resolved with guilt because my parents gave me separate directions. When I was 4, I wanted to call my stepfather “dad,” but my father was angry, and I felt too guilty to make that decision.

"If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks," mentions Martorell. I resolved with industry as I’d been completing my assignments, getting good grades, and reading almost as much as my teachers. This made me feel like I could complete things by the end of this stage of development.

"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," says author Gabriela Martorell. I resolved with identity confusion that I still struggle with sometimes. At this age, I changed my values regularly based on those closest to me. I usually agreed with whatever my boyfriend or best friend at the time said instead of making these decisions for myself.

I have not yet resolved this, but I believe it will be resolved with intimacy as I’m currently learning to get closer to the people around me and gain more friends. Howson and Gould mentioned that this stage of development is "associated with the development of intimacy with others." This shows that my deepening connections with new friends make intimacy a likely outcome.

Gould, M., & Howson, A. (2021). Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

I have not yet started this stage of development, but I believe it will be resolved with generativity. Gould a d Howson describe the conflict between "tending to the needs of the next generation and self-absorption," and this is something we are all working on. I’m slowly becoming a more active member of my church community, and I hope to have at least 4 kids. If I could, I’d have ten. This is why I believe I’ll make an impression on something that outlasts me. Even if I didn’t want kids, I hope to make lasting changes to further help whatever church community I stay with after finishing my degree and settling down.

Gould, M., & Howson, A. (2021). Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Gould and Howson address how "[t]he final contribution to his theory on psychosocial stages professed that a person's level of wisdom is determined based on whether or not a person has positively resolved the conflicts of the earlier stages." Having completed most of the previous stages, it is likely that is how I will feel as well. In addition, I believe I will resolve this stage with integrity because I know that even the mistakes I’ve made help me learn. I also know Jesus uses all things, even the worst of things, for our good.

Gould, M., & Howson, A. (2021). Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development. Salem Press Encyclopedia.