Erikson Timeline by

Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:39:28 UTC

This stage occurs from birth to 18 months. When an infant receives love and their needs are being met they are able to develop trust. When their needs are not met and they are neglected, they can develop mistrust. I was able to achieve trust through my parents consoling me when I needed it and giving me space when they knew I didn't need immediate attention. According to the textbook "People need to trust the world and the people in it, but they also need to learn some mistrust to protect themselves from danger." Each stage requires both positive and negative traits.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:40:13 UTC

This stage occurs between 18mo-3yrs. This is when a child is able to become more self-reliant and participate in activities more independently. If there is missing encouragement or overprotectiveness, shame and doubt could occur. According to the text, "As children are better able to make their wishes understood, they become more powerful and independent." Around this age my parents allowed me to make small decisions for myself which helped to develop autonomy.

Initiative vs. Guilt

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:40:31 UTC

This stage consists of children ages 3-6 being encouraged to behave more independently. Through the allowance of independence children are able to develop initiative while children who are more controlled or shamed for their actions develop guilt. By utilizing both tools, children begin to learn how to interact in society. According to the textbook, "This conflict marks a split between two parts of the personality..." By my parents encouraging me to play independently and reprimanding me when my actions are not appropriate, I was able to develop a sense of initiative while also learning guilt and what is not acceptable.

Industry vs. Inferiority

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:41:35 UTC

This stage occurs around the age of 6 years old and goes into puberty. This stage is about productivity and the encouragement of creativity in school and at home. If a child is discouraged, they may begin to feel inferior. According to the text "A major determinant of self-esteem is a children's view of their capacity for productive work, which develops in his fourth stage of psychosocial development..." Parents and teachers play a key role in a student's ability to develop a sense of competence. My teachers supporting me and giving me chances to correct my mistakes have helped me grow tremendously.

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:42:19 UTC

This stage occurs around puberty into young adulthood and it is centered around young people developing their sense of self and understanding of where they belong in society. The text states "The chief task of adolescence, said Erikson, is to confront the crisis of identity versus identity confusion." Through understanding where you are beginning to belong in society you are able to develop a better sense of yourself and create lasting relationships. Music has helped me tremendously through this stage and has helped me find my friend groups in middle school and high school.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:42:46 UTC

This stage occurs in young adulthood and deals with a person's ability to create long-term relationships. I have had a long term relationship that I ended. I am still guiding myself through this stage.

Gernerativity vs. Stagnation

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:44:22 UTC

This stage occurs during middle adulthood and consists of reflecting on one's contributions to society and future generations. Those who are not contributing to society tend to fall into stagnation and are not focused on raising future generations. I have not yet reached this stage but I am putting in work now to build my career and to create a family so I am not stagnant and I am able to be proud of myself and the life I have created.

Integrity vs. Despair

lgouar — 2024-07-09 22:44:42 UTC

This stage occurs during late adulthood and is centered around reflection. When one feels proud of the contributions they have made they feel integrity, while those who lived a more stagnant life tend to develop despair towards the end of their life. I have not yet reached this goal, but the work that I am doing now contributes to how I will be once I reach this stage of life. By remaining passionate about my career and creating a sense of family, I believe I will be able to reach this stage with integrity.