My Erikson Development Timeline by

Stage 1 ~Trust Vs. Mistrust

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-12 17:09:48 UTC

The first stage in Erikson's psychosocial theory of development is Trust Vs. Mistrust. According to Erikson, trust is the basis of our development during infancy (0-12mo). During this stage the baby is completely reliant on it's caregiver to provide it's needs. My mother say's I was an easy baby with a calm temperament. She say's I rarely cried, and when I did, I was able to be soothed easily. This tells me that I gained the comfort of trust in my caregivers during infancy.

Stage 2 ~Autonomy Vs. Shame & Doubt

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-12 22:28:54 UTC

The second stage focuses on Autonomy Vs. Shame and doubt. Toddlers (1-3yrs) begin to explore the world and gain a sense of independence. By choosing things like what to eat, wear, and toys to play with, they learn actions are controllable and how to act on the environment to get results. As a mother of 3, I often encourage my children as toddlers make their own decisions when appropriate. Through this I help them gain confidence in their decision making which promotes healthy autonomy.

Stage 3 ~Initiative Vs. Guilt

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-12 23:31:53 UTC

The third stage in Erikson's psychosocial theory focuses on preschoolers (3-6). According to Erikson, they are more capable of initiating activities and asserting control over their world through social interactions and play. By planning and achieving goals while playing with others, they master the task of initiative vs. guilt. My children enjoyed their preschool years very much. They were making new friends and achieving new goals through play & classroom activities. My youngest child (3yr old daughter) had a bit of separation anxiety when she first started preschool. After about 2wks of routine, she started walking in on her own, eager to play with her new friends.

Stage 4 ~Industry Vs. Inferiority

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-13 04:13:41 UTC

During the fourth stage, elementary school children (7-11yo) face the task of industry vs. inferiority. Erikson's theory states that children at this stage begin to compare themselves to their peers to see how they measure up. As a child I loved theatre and performing arts. In 4th or 5th grade I joined an after school club for performing arts, we went to different schools performing our plays & I really enjoyed feeling that sense of belonging. Knowing that I had a specific character role to play and that the entire cast depended on me being there to do my part felt rewarding.

Stage 5 ~ Identity Vs. Role confusion

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-13 15:17:55 UTC

During adolescence (ages 12-18) teenagers face the task of identity vs. role confusion, developing a sense of self. For me those years were spent finishing up grade school and looking forward to starting high school. I loved art, so most of my after school time was spent in art related programs, such as theatre and pottery. Around 16 years old, after school, I began working at fast food & dine in restaurants. Having a job helped me gain a sense of responsibility & made me think about and invest in my future.

Stage 6 ~Intimacy Vs. Isolation

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-13 15:42:26 UTC

Early adulthood's (20s - 40s) main concern are intimacy vs. isolation. Erikson says one must have a strong sense of self before developing intimate relationships with other people. My aunt has a strong sense of identity, at 38 years of age she has a career as a registered nurse, a husband, two children, and a homeowner. She has a wide network of friends and colleagues to provide help/support if ever needed. I would say with 100% confidence that my aunt has mastered the stage of intimacy vs. isolation according to Erikson's psychosocial theory.

Stage 7 ~Generativity Vs. Stagnation

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-13 16:32:43 UTC

Middle adulthood is considered from the 40s to mid-60s. The social task at this stage is generativity vs. stagnation. Erikson describes generativity as fining your life's work and contributing to the development of others through raising children, mentoring, or volunteering. I believe this is a very important stage because your contribution to society will greatly impact your overall connection with others, productivity, and self-improvement. I aim to be a great contributing factor my environment by helping teach and guide the next generation when I become an official grade school teacher.

Stage 8 ~Integrity Vs. Despair

ltucker43_1 — 2023-12-13 16:54:13 UTC

From the mid-60s to the end of life, we are in a period of development known as late adulthood. Erikson's task at this stage is integrity vs. despair, saying that people at this stage look back on their lives and either feel a sense of satisfaction or a sense of regret and failure. This stage is very important, when I get to this stage in life, I only pray to be able to feel great satisfaction and joy when looking back on my life and the family I've created. I believe I'm on the right track to living a beautiful fulfilling life and am looking forward to the journey ahead.