8 Stages of self By: Cheryl McGordon by Cheryl McGordon

Stage 1 : Trust vs Mistrust

cherb222 — 2024-04-28 19:09:43 UTC

Erikson's first stage is the most important for an infant. I am learning to feel security as a caregiver. If this stage is not treated with caution and care this child could grow up with trust issues and a lack of security. In my infancy, I did not have this comfort and therefore have extreme trust issues.

Stage 2: Autonomy Vs. Shame/Doubt

cherb222 — 2024-04-28 23:10:55 UTC

The second stage of development focuses on the child's self-reliance and self-confidence. Harnessing the experience of your child exploring the world. If not nurted correctly a child may have doubts in decision making when they become and adult.

Stage 3: Initiative Vs. Guilt

cherb222 — 2024-04-28 23:40:52 UTC

The third stage deals with leadership and the ability to have ideas in a group. If a child does not complete this stage they will not feel comfortable with others working under their instruction. I felt I was always a great leader and full of ideas. My family counted on me to make big decisions dealing with our family from a very early age giving me early independence.

Stage 4: Industry Vs. Inferiority

cherb222 — 2024-04-29 00:13:29 UTC

Stage four directly relates back to the identity of a child. Stage four uses working with and trying things that the child could excel in. Failure to complete this stage will result in the feeling that everyone can be good at something just not them. Sports can be a huge part of this stage. Boosting a Childs confidence in the process. For myself I chose music and all city band/choir competitions. The confidence i received during this stage developed a strong desire to achieve.

Stage 5: Identity Vs. Role Confusion

cherb222 — 2024-04-29 00:23:51 UTC

When the child begins to question their identity and their future. If not nurtured at this stage a child could lose their identity and turn into those who surround them. I missed this part of my development. Turned into my parents/environment and it took me until I was in my 30s to find my true self. A very long identity search began and has continued since I began my self-exploratory journey.

Stage 6: Intimacy Vs. Isolation

cherb222 — 2024-04-29 00:31:31 UTC

A Young adult at this stage is building intimate close relationships and are opening themselves up to those whom they find like-minded. If this stage is incomplete a young adult can feel lost in their relationships. Not completing this stage myself I found that most of the relationships I entered were unhealthy and toxic. Never giving myself space to share myself with healthy people only sends me further down the whole of isolation and further from intimacy.

Stage 7: Generativity Vs. Self-Absorption

cherb222 — 2024-04-29 00:40:50 UTC

Stage 7 can be long. The desire to feel valued and questioning of self-worth. The person in this stage desires relationships with value. Not completing this stage will result in self-obsession linked with toxic motivators trying to find their own self-value.

Stage 8: Integrity Vs. Despair

cherb222 — 2024-04-29 00:45:48 UTC

The last Erikson stage is self-reflection on a person's life. They question their journey and happiness. This stage does not have to be at the end of someone's life. Failure to realize this stage can lead to depression. I hope to look back at my life and have pride in the determination I consistently show.