My Erikson Development Timeline by

Trust vs Mistrust

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 19:44:16 UTC

The first stage of Erikson's timeline is trust v mistrust. In this stage, from birth - 12/18 months, the infant will form, a loving and trusting relationship with those who will help take care of him/her. If the child is not shown a loving or caring relationship it may develop a relationship of mistrust. During this part of a child's life the child is held, fed, bathed, and has his/her diaper changed. A child may be fussy and need to be held, walked, or rocked more than another child. The child will grow in height, weight, speech skills, cognitive skills and adaptive skills, as well as fine and gross motor movements.

Brett was raised by two parents and 2 sisters. He was loved, held, and spoiled. Brett liked everyone that was close to him. He smiled, laughed, and developed on target.

"The infant must have basic needs met in a consistent way in order to feel that the world is a trustworthy place." Child Growth and Development 1.5

Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 19:55:48 UTC

In the second stage, from 18m to 3y, toddlers will begin to do things on their own, explore, increase independence, and gain in all skill areas. If a child is able to do so own their own they will begin to develop autonomy. If the child is restricted in these areas they might begin to feel shame or doubt, which could lead to lack of independence and confidence.

Brett was delayed in speech, but he had gross and fine motor skills that were on target. He was eager to please. He did not show instances of shame or doubt.

"Mobile toddlers have newfound freedom they like to exercise and by being allowed to do so, they learn some basic independence." Child Growth and Development 1:5

Initiative vs Guilt

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 20:06:39 UTC

The third stage of Erikison's Timeline is Initiative V Guilt. In this stage from 3-6 years, children begin to do things on their own, often without being told to do so. As children begin to do so they form initiative, and can start to become proud of themselves. If a child does not begin to do tasks on their own, they may become afraid to try new things, or guilty when they do something wrong.

Brett was delayed in potty training. He had caught up in his speech by the age of three. Brett’s other skills were on target. He played well with the kids at the sitters. At this age Brett loved Cars and Thomas. He knew the names of all the vehicles. While he was not obsessed with lining them up, he would search and search for a particular one if he wanted to find it. Brett was very good at putting puzzles together and did not mind playing by himself. He did not show any guilt or seemed disturbed by not being able to do “something”.

'Preschoolers like to initiate activities and emphasize doing things “all by myself.”" Child Growth and Development 1:5

Industry vs Inferiority

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 20:13:32 UTC

The fourth stage of Erikison's timeline is Industry v Inferiority. Children ages 6-12 years fall into this category. During this stage children begin to do things outside of their home. They may join a sports team, the band, or enter into peer relationships. They will often compare themselves to other people in their peer groups. Comparing may lead to feeling of happiness and pride when they do well, or to feelings of shame or embarrassment when they do not do well.

Brett started kindergarten at age 6. Through the age of 12 he had friends at school, but not anyone that was particularly close. I do not feel that he ever felt inferior in any way. Brett’s ant-social skills were a part of him, that’s the was he was with family and at school. His anti-social skills did not cause any issues with his relationships to teacher or peers at school.

"School aged children focus on accomplishments and begin making comparisons between themselves and their classmates." Child Growth and Development 1:5

Identity vs Role Confusion

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 20:21:18 UTC

In Stage 5, Identity v Role Confusion, covers children from 12- 18 years. During this age range the child will begin to develop their own identity. They will want to be the same as others, but also unique in their own way. They will be subjected to various relationships with many different aged people. They will want to stand out, but also fit in. If they do not explore their own mind and feelings they may become unsure of themselves, not form lasting, or good reltionships, and might become disappointed, depressed, or confused about who they are.

Brett is really becoming his own person. He has a good sense of humor and typically earns A’s and B’s. Thanks to help at school and with his job at McDonalds he has made leaps and bounds in his social skills. My husband I had Brett put into special needs classes, Brett did not like being in large crowds or noisy places. Typical classes would have 20- plus students, while special needs would usually have 10 or less. We found this was a good fit for him as he made true friendships for the first time. Brett also has become good friends with a neighbor’s grandchild. This boy is 2 years younger, and they grew up playing together. Today Brett will call him and go over to his house. He also plays online games with him and works with him. Brett is sometimes immature for his age. I feel like he is in the industry stage, but also still working in the identity stage as well. At this time Brett has no plans for after graduation.

"Teenagers are trying to gain a sense of identity as they experiment with various roles, beliefs, and ideas." Child Growth and Development 1:5

Intimacy vs Isolation

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 20:29:59 UTC

Stage 6 covers a span of 41 years, from age 19-40. During this stage a person will begin to become emotionally and or romantically involved with other people. If you are able to show intimacy, or a closeness, being connected and supported by and to others, you will have close relationships. If you are unable to show intimacy you will possibly be lonely, depressed, and disconnected.

This is a hard stage to pinpoint. At this time Brett has np interest in college, and no idea what he wants to do in life. If Brett stays with us, or near is I think he will have a form of intimacy. Brett has a few peer relationships, and he gets along with family. When Brett is over it, he’s over it. He likes to be around people for a set amount of time then be by himself. Brett will share with people he knows on a closer level and is learning to hold conversations with others. Parts of his everyday social skills lean towards isolation, and I think he is ok with that. He does not show any signs of depression or anger at not being with people, or not being able to see or talk to people. I think if Brett were to move to Canada, or anywhere else alone he would be in isolation. He would not want to go out and meet people. It would be hard for him to form more than a social relationship with people. At his current age and for the next few years I do not see him in any romantic relationships, he needs to mature first.

"In our 20s and 30s we are making some of our first long-term commitments in intimate relationships." Child Growth and Development 1:5

Generativity vs Stagnation

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 20:32:19 UTC

In the seventh stage, Generativity v Stagnation, from 40-65 years, a person will begin to make a positive impact on those around them and out in the world. This can be done in relationships with their children or grandchildren, through coaching or teaching younger kids, or being involved in civic groups. A person will be satisfied if they are able to pass on their knowledge and skills to the younger generation. They will feel helpful and elated. If a person is not able to show this they are stagnate. They may feel unprepared, unproductive, or feel that they have no real purpose.

As an adult I feel Brett will show generativity. I presume that one of his sisters or his brother will have children, and he will have a good relationship with them. Brett has a great aunt/nephew relationship with 2 of his aunts and one uncle. He also has a great relationship with his sisters and brothers in law. He is working on his relationship with his younger brother, but their relationship is a typical sibling relationship. He has good relationship examples, and he is a caring person. He will be able to share his insights with others that he is close to.

"The 40s through the early 60s we focus on being productive at work and home and are motivated by wanting to feel that we’ve made a contribution to society." Child Growth and Development 1:5

Integrity vs Despair

ebrown229_ — 2023-11-26 20:45:59 UTC

During the eight and final stage of Erikson's timeline, from age 65- death, we discuss Integrity v Despair. During this time a person will begin to look back at their life and remember how they lived it. If they feel they were a good presence to others, led a healthy and full life they will show satisfaction. If they regret their choices or missed opportunities that they cannot go back and change they may become despondent.

I hope Brett will be happy with his life. I hope he will look back and know that he has/had a loving family and was able to share well with others. I don’t think he would look back and be upset that he did not accomplish what he wished to do.

"We look back on our lives and hope to like what we see-that we have lived well and have a sense of integrity because we lived according to our beliefs." Child Growth and Development 1:5