ERIKSON AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL 1
To define psychosocial development I will say it is the approach that encompasses change in our
interactions with and understandings of one another, as well as in our knowledge and
understanding of ourselves as members of society. The eight different stages include; Trust vs.
Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity
vs. Identity confusion, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, and finally Integrity
vs. Despair. Each of these stages describes a particular goal, concern, accomplishment and
danger. Stages are linked to one another. Progress and accomplishments in later stages depend on
how conflicts are resolved in earlier stages. Erikson argued that every stage presents a crisis or
conflict that a person must learn to resolve. Although, no crisis is ever fully resolved, istead
sometimes it’s making life complicated, the issue in each stage must at least be addressed by the
individual in order to successfully deal with the crisis of the next stage. According to (Feldman,
2011)
Erik Erikson theory consists of 8 stages of developmental stages; each stage contains different
societal and environmental expectations. It is also a “stepping’ process which each stage building
on the strengths of the precious stage. It is primarily concerned with how personality and
behavior is influenced after birth especially during childhood.
Erikson’s theory of psychological development may be proved through my personal experience.
Stage 1 Trust vs. Mistrust Infancy (Age: 0-1)
these first stage Erikson describes is “Trust vs. Mistrust.” The statement present throughout this
stage can be described as “I am what I’m given.” This stage lasts usually from birth to 18
months and deals with my needs being met as an infant. If an infant’s needs which include food,
physical comfort, and emotional contact are met in a warm and consistent manner, you develop a
2
sense of trust in others and your environment; you become an optimist. But If your needs are not
met you may experience mistrust
Stage 2. Autonomy v Shame & Doubt- (1-3 yrs.)
Here I was a toddler. My Parents are still responsible for my bodily functions, toilet training,
muscular control, walking just trying to gain my independent. My mom said that I was very
sweet but also very restless.
Stage 3. Initiative v Guilt (age 3-6 yrs.)
This stage is described as Locomotors or Phallic preschool, where I explored and discovered or
tried everything not minding the risk involved, where everything I do during this stage of my life
