My Erikson Development Timeline by

Stage 1: Trust vs Mistrust (0-1 year): Early Childhood

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

During the beginning stages of life, infants depend entirely on their guardians to care for them. Their quality of care dedicates their future trust and mistrust individuals. If a child is neglected or mistreated, they are more inclined to be more distant and none trusting to individuals. Whereas, those who experienced great care will be more likely to trust individuals. The person I interviewed for my timeline agreed that trust was all she remembers from 0-1. Her parents cared for her, and she was happy and healthy at those ages of life. Because of having that trust at a young age, she is able to be outgoing and trust others without the fear of neglect being in the back of her mind. She is able to open up and be herself around others.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt (1-3 years): Toddlerhood

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

As toddlers start exploring more of their environment, they seek to establish independence and self-confidence. Toddlers who want to do things on their own with no help from their caregivers are seeking autonomy. Children who are more restricted and controlled at a young age are more inclined to show shame and doubt. My sister had a lot of independence at a young age, our parents let us do whatever we wanted as long as it was safe and appropriate. They never let us do something that put us in any sort of danger.

Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt (3-6 years): Preschool

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

At this stage, children begin to assert themselves more in social settings and try to acquire friendships. They engage in different play in different settings and feel a sense of purpose. If a child maybe is not inserting themselves as much they could easily be overwhelmed with shame and guilt. My sister would have some shame and guilt if she wasn't included in something by her friends, she resolved this with inserting herself more into the group and suggesting things all her friends could do together.

Stage 4: Industry vs Inferiority (6-12 years): School Age

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

Children develop a sense of pride and belonging when they are rewarded for their accomplishments. They thrive best in positive environments where achievements are recognized and rewarded. A child that experiences some inferiority stems from not being rewarded for their accomplishments and not being celebrated. My sister said that she always felt rewarded when she made a huge accomplishment or even a small accomplishment. Even if no one noticed the accomplishment, our parents made her confident enough to reward herself silently without needing conformation from others. She was able to live out her accomplishments on her own.

Stage 5: Identity vs Role Confusion (12-18 years): Adolescence

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

This critical stage involves teenagers exploring various roles and identities. Developing a sense of personal identity is critical; if a child is unable to do that, they have a sense of failure and not able to find their belonging. When my sister finished 8th grade and went into high school, all her friends wanted to party and hangout with upper classman. My sister wanted to play volleyball. As their freshman year went on my sister was left out of things because she did not party. Slowly my sister felt she had no friends and was alone. Once she started to play travel volleyball, her teammates who she saw 3x a week at practice and every weekend for tournaments were her friends and those friends she once had no longer upset her not being included.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs Isolation (Young Adulthood)

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

Young adults face the challenge of forming intimate relationships while balancing the need for independence and accomplishment. Many face challenges of meshing with others and finding hobbies you can share with your friends. Some tend to not find others who mesh with their personalities and tend to close themself of and isolate themselves. My sister during her young adulthood had a boyfriend who isolated my sister from her friends or the ability to make friends. This caused her to isolate and be very sad. Once they split ways, she was able to make new friends and branch out.

Stage 7: Generativity vs Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

At this stage, adults focus on career and family, looking to create a life they are proud of. Everyone has goals to achieve as they get older. It is extremely important to focus on things day by day, it is hard to observe others around you and feel as if you are "behind". Even though, you are not. Some individuals lose their sight of their goals or are discouraged and tend to slump into stagnation or laziness. My sister has already been very goal driven and when she sets her mind to something, she doesn't stop till it was achieved. My sister experienced some struggles at the end of college because she no longer wanted to pursue dentistry. She volunteered at a Boy's and Girl's Club and it was like a light switch. She then decided to work with the kids, and she currently is working in social work with children with developmental delays. She loves children and is motivated to be the best mother someday.

Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs Despair (Later Adulthood)

lkmyers88 — 2024-02-25 19:42:37 UTC

In later years, reflecting on life's achievements and unfulfilled dreams can lead to a sense of fulfillment or despair. Achieving ego integrity means accepting one's life as it was lived, while failure to do so can result in regret and bitterness. My sister experienced one of her best friends passing away in a car accident at age 21. This caused her to change her mindset completely. She wanted to live the life of never taking any day for granted and being thankful for everyone and everything around her. She has focused on being more patient and kinder with those who may not be as kind or patient. My sister learned to be grateful for what you have and not worry about what you don't have.