I do not talk about this event often because it is pretty hard to talk about. It taught me a lot about myself, though, so I thought it would be an excellent event to use for this project. Looking at it through the lens of Erikson’s stages shows a very different picture of how my psychological self developed than I usually think. I think this event offers a balance between the stages and that not everything is black and white. 

I would say that I am more on the autonomy side of this stage. In the event, I had to be strong for my little sister, and I continue to be to this day. I have occasional doubts, but I am more independent than doubtful. “Caregivers who view children’s expressions of self-will as a normal, healthy striving for independence and not as stubbornness can help them learn self-control, contribute to their sense of competence, and avoid excessive conflict” (Martorell pg. 157). 

Before this event, I would have said I was more on the initiative side because I like learning new things. Now after the event, I am more conservative in trying new things. I am more cautious in trying new things, but that goes back to the Trust vs. Mistrust stage. “Children who learn how to regulate these opposing drives develop the virtue of purpose, the courage to envision and pursue foals without being unduly inhibited by guilt or fear of punishment” (Martorell pg. 210). 

Industry is the way that I developed. I feel like I am almost too industrious because I am a workaholic. I must constantly be busy with work or school. I think this also came from this event because I needed to keep myself occupied so I wouldn’t overthink what was happening. “If the stage is successfully resolved, children develop a view of themselves as being able to master skills and complete tasks. This can go too far: If children become too industrious, they may neglect social relationships and turn into workaholic” (Martorell pg. 276). 

I think I am on the Identity side of this stage because I have a strong sense of self. I have a solid understanding of values and how I want to live my life. “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 pg. 336). 

I was in a manipulative relationship at the beginning of the age range. When I was graduating high school at 17, I felt very isolated, and I couldn’t make those connections with people. Now that I am out of the relationship, I am getting better about making connections with people. I am still very reserved about making connections though. I would say I am currently in the middle of this stage.“When adolescents have high-quality friendships, those friendships tend to be deeply embedded within their other supportive social relationships, including other friends, romantic partners, and family members. A bidirectional process seems to be at work: Good relationships foster adjustment, which in turn fosters good relationships” (Martorell pg. 351). 

Development isn’t black and white. Looking through these stages and examining how I fit into them, I was in the middle of the stage for many of them. My family plays a big part in my development, and I didn’t realize how much that one event affected my life now. 

2.    What are your fondest future dreams (could be regarding work, love, friendship, community, religion, children, marriage, personal achievement, wealth, material possessions, etc..)?  In other words, how do you envision your future life?

For my future, I would like to have a good job. I would also like to have a family. I have always wanted the house, the husband, and the kids. Wealth and material things don’t affect what I want for my future. I want to be successful in my future career, but I don’t need material things. I want a family and the happiness they can bring rather than physical possessions. 

3. How can you be a generative adult? What current behaviors, if continued through your adult years, might lead to stagnation?

To me, a generative adult volunteers and interacts with the younger generation. I spent a lot of time with both sets of my grandparents growing up; I would consider them generative adults because they shaped who my siblings and I were. I tend to shut myself off from other people sometimes. I could see this leading to stagnation when I am older because I am not moving towards anything.

Work Cited

Martorell, G. (2023a). Child (3rd ed.). New York, Ny: Mcgraw-Hill.