During this stage, it is most important for the caregiver to offer the infant support, care and love. Without those three things, the infant's needs will not be met which can lead to the infant being more independent and to not trust anyone.

I believe I built trust within this stage. An example would be the way I was fed. My needs were met almost always immediately based off of my hunger cues.

The textbook states how Merv learned mistrust from both of her caregivers during this stage, but she was able to overcome and learn trust from other people later her life. An example was stated after discussing how Merv was expelled from a prestigious school after becoming an unwed mother but was later able to return after a school counselor went "out on a major limb" for Merv. "Finally, Merv learned to trust that there is goodness in the world" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 401).

This stage is when the toddler will be offered encouragement for self-sufficient behavior from their caregivers. Without the development of autonomy and support from their caregiver, the toddler will not be able to problem solve on their own and will resort to shame and doubt.

I believe I built autonomy within myself by being encouraged to use trial and error while learning how to properly hold a crayon and color with different shades of crayons to create pictures.

"Caregivers demand too much too soon" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 402) could result in the child developing shame and doubt about conducting themselves appropriately. It could be resolved by the parents only providing the child with age appropriate tasks.

In this stage, Preschoolers are more adventurous and want to seek out new activities within their own ideas. When the caregiver encourages the preschooler to explore, it creates their self-initiative. When the caregiver discourages the preschooler's exploration, the preschooler will develop guilt from acting improperly.

As a preschooler I would dress up my cat in my old baby clothes and push her around in a toy baby stroller. I believe I was encouraged, but only because my cat would sit there and purr while I pushed her around in the stroller.

The text states "When adults discourage such activities, children may instead develop guilt about acting improperly" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 402). This could be resolved in the future by other peers offering encouragement for the child's own ideas of activities they want to pursue.

Elementary schoolers have higher expectations to meet within their classroom which makes them search for praise through their accomplishments. However, if an elementary schooler doesn't receive that praise and instead receive ridicule then they tend to develop feelings of inferiority about their abilities.

An example from my life that demonstrated industry was when I tried out for the cheerleading team my 5th grade year. I was nervous due to only making the dance team my 4th grade year. However, I made the cheer team with the encouragement from my mom. She then took me out for ice cream to celebrate.

"When children are ridiculed ... for their efforts, they may develop feelings of inferiority about their abilities" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 402). This could be resolved by ensuring the child has someone who will consistently praise them for their accomplishments.

In this stage, middle and high schoolers may find themselves questioning who they are and where they fit in. Towards the end of this stage, they become more independent from their caregivers and find which sport/hobby, peer group or political group that they fit in which offers them a sense of identity.

Great example of this from my life is while I was in 6th grade, I felt I didn't have a purpose and I was lost. However, my band teacher convinced me to play a trumpet (after I was dead set on the flute). I clearly remember my mom telling me after my first performance with a trumpet that she could tell I had found my purpose. Performing for an audience and playing a trumpet.

One way role confusion can be resolved is by, quoting the text, "trying sports and hobbies" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 402). This will help most adolescents achieve "a sense of identity regarding who they are and where their lives are headed."

This stage is when people begin to make commitments to others such as friendships, marriage, etc. If these connections are not formed, then one will find themselves resulting to a state of isolation.

An example from my life would be finding the love of my life almost four years ago. Before we started dating, I was in a bad relationship and isolated myself from everyone who cared for me. Once I separated myself from that toxic person, I came to realize my current Fiance is the one. One of the things that helped me realize was how many connections I was able to resolve because I knew I had and still have his support to do so.

"When people do not form these connections, a sense of isolation may result" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 402). If you are with someone and feel isolated, the best way to resolve it is to RUN! FAR AWAY!

This age is focused on giving themselves for the better good. This could include raising children, volunteering, leading a group, etc. If one finds themself being lazy or only thinking about themselves during this stage, it will lead to a dissatisfied feeling. This stage is where you will hear of people having a "mid-life crisis".

An example from my life is raising my daughter with my Fiance. Even though I am not the in the age range for this stage, I have already had a sense of generativity by working together with my Fiance to ensure we give our daughter the best life possible.

"An individual who is self-centered and unable or unwilling to help others experiences stagnation" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 401). This can be resolved by volunteering or helping those in need.

This is the final stage of Erikson's 8 stages. During this stage, one will find themselves contemplating whether their past has been happy and productive or disappointing and unfinished. Hopefully, they are able to look at their past and feel like they are leaving a great legacy behind. Unfortunately, not everyone feels this way during this stage.

Luckily, I am not at this stage in my life. Therefor I can prepare by trying to do more fulfilling things now before it's too late. I predict that I'll end up living a happy and productive life. At least I hope.

"May develop a sense of despair if they look back on a life of disappointments and unachieved goals" (McDevitt & Ormod, 2019, pg. 402). This could be resolved by trying to live your life to the fullest while you still can.