Timeline by RuthAnne Proctor

Stage 1, Trust vs. Mistrust Birth-1.5

rproctor13 — 2025-02-25 21:40:30 UTC

In this stage infants develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliable care, and mistrust if they do not. During this stage my needs were met and I developed trust.

Stage 2, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt 1.5-3

rproctor13 — 2025-02-25 21:46:08 UTC

In this stage toddlers learn independence. Encouragement fosters autonomy, while over-criticism leads to shame and doubt. During this stage my parents divorced and my life was flipped upside down. I wasn’t able to make choices about who I would get to see or where I would live. This stage ended in me developing shame and doubt.

Stage 3, initiative vs. guilt 3-5

rproctor13 — 2025-02-25 21:51:35 UTC

During this stage, children begin to take initiative in play and activities. If supported they develop a sense of purpose, and if restricted or punished, they may feel guilty. While I was in this stage I started kindergarten early at 4. Although I ended up failing, I tried again at 5 feeling more prepared. I was able to take initiative and do a great job the second time around. School helped me develop a sense of purpose.

Stage 4, industry vs. inferiority 5-12

rproctor13 — 2025-02-25 21:54:19 UTC

During this stage children develop a sense of competence by mastering skills. Encouragement leads to confidence while failure or lack of praise can cause feelings of inferiority. During these years, I was a fantastic student and thrived in the learning environment. My accomplishments were consistently celebrated, and I developed confidence.

Stage 5, Identity s. Role confusion 12-18

rproctor13 — 2025-02-25 22:09:54 UTC

During this stage teens, explore their identity, values and beliefs. If they can successfully do this it leads to a strong sense of self while failure leads to confusion about their role in society or an identity crisis. During this stage, I began to discover who I am, and what I believe, but there were a lot of setbacks. I found out I was donor conceived, started failing high school because of Covid, and lost my dad who raised me. This was all very confusing and led me to struggle with my identity ultimately ending in role confusion.

Stage 6, Intimacy vs. Isolation 18-40

rproctor13 — 2025-02-25 23:52:25 UTC

In this stage young adults try to make meaningful relationships. If they are successful it leads to intimacy but if not they can face loneliness and isolation. During this stage so far I have established intimate relationships and am undertaking productive work. I hope to continue my education and become a teacher. During this stage I also hope to further my intimate relationships and marry. Hopefully the outcome will be that I develop intimacy.

Stage 7, Generativity vs. Stagnation 40-65

rproctor13 — 2025-02-25 23:59:06 UTC

During this stage adults focus on contributing to society and teaching the next generation. Success leads to fulfillment and failure leads to stagnation. When I get to this stage I plan to have an active involvement in teaching the next generation both in the workplace as a teacher, and in the community through volunteer work. I think I will leave this stage with generativity and care.

Stage 8, Integrity vs. Stagnation 65+

rproctor13 — 2025-02-26 00:02:48 UTC

During this stage older adults reflect on their lives. A sense of fulfillment leads to integrity, while regret can cause stagnation. Hopefully I will look back on my life and legacy and be satisfied. I think I will leave this stage with integrity and wisdom.