Erikson Timeline by

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:06:14 UTC

Infants/Babies develop relationships with caregivers leading to trust or mistrust. As a baby, according to my mom, I did not cry much and was a fairly content baby. I really only cried when I was away from her. This shows trust from me as a baby since I was content with her and trusted her but showed I was uncomfortable with others. “In contrast, sadness is typically the response when infants are deprived of a caregiver (Papousek, 2007)”

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:06:41 UTC

The child will start to do more physical things like walking, grabbing things, and potty training(control of bowel movements). While learning to control more, the child can also develop a sense of shame/doubt. During this stage, I had lots of support from my parents but also three older sisters. My mom shared with me that my older sisters encouraged me to walk, helped me with grabbing things and playing with me which helped with my development. Being the youngest of four kids I gained independence very fast. “As stated above, in the first few years of life children go from having no intentional fine motor control to being able to manipulate objects to play and learn, as well as beginning to care of themselves. The following is a table of the major milestones in fine motor development(Libretexts, 2021).” This shows my changes from not being able to stand and play to be able to do those things and become independent/take care of myself.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:06:57 UTC

The child is now able to take initiative and do things. This can lead to the child being “too much” and can make them feel guilty. ”The child is placed in an environment where he/she can explore, make decisions, and initiate activities, they have achieved initiative(Libretexts, 2021).” As a child I had the opportunity to grow up in the country with a huge yard. This allowed me to explore and take initiatve in how I played and my decisions. My mom shared with me that we were all very independent and were able to do most things ourselves or with little help.

Stage 4: Identity vs. Inferiority

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:07:15 UTC

This stage is when children will also begin school. They have to meet the requirements and keep up with the demand. They will either meet this expectation or fall being and feel like they are failing. As the youngest child, my three older sister had met different accomplishment or tasks that I felt I had to live up to. I believe this gave me motivation to work hard and become successful whether it was academics or sports. I was very fortunate to have parents who supported me and gave me confidence. “Erikson believed that if these industrious children can be successful in their endeavors, they will get a sense of confidence for future challenges. If not, a sense of inferiority can be particularly haunting(Libretexts, 2021).”

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:07:29 UTC

This stage creates a sense of finding oneself. This can be through religion, sexual, political, and much more. They start to develop who they are as a person. “They will be unsure of their identity and confused about the future. Teenagers who struggle to adopt a positive role will likely struggle to “find” themselves as adults(Libretexts, 2021).” During this stage I struggled with who I was as a person. I was always trying to compete with my sister’s success and trying to conform to my peers so they would like me. During this time I had experienced my parents divorcing and having to move in with my oldest sister. This created a confusing time for me and I struggled finding an identity.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:07:48 UTC

This stage develops relationships with others or can lead to isolation and feelings of being alone. “Emerging adulthood is a time of life when many different directions remain possible when little about the future is decided for certain when the scope of independent exploration of life’s possibilities is greater for most people than it will be at any other period of the life course” (Arnett, 2000, p. 469)(Libretexts, 2021).” After high school I moved out and become married. I was 18 during this time. I am still married to my husband and we have recently bought our first house. I have now started going to college and have found my passion in life. I have also found my sense of identity.

Stage 7: Generatively vs Stagnation

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:08:12 UTC

This stage explores a way to help future generations. I believe that I will involved in the community especially through my place of work. I will be a teacher in a few years and I want to help kids outside of school as I will inside of school. I believe I will do this through tutoring or outreach programs.

Stage 8: EgoIntegrity vs. Despair

eholt23_1 — 2024-02-05 14:08:26 UTC

This stage means adults have peace with theirselves and have a feeling of being satisfied with life. Once milestones and life goals are complete, a sense of peace will be acquired. My goals are to graduate college, build or create my forever house, and travel to all 50 states.