When compared to other theories, Erikson presents a good argument on the development stages. For example, Piaget focused his studies on how children change their thinking, hence the assertion that he specialized in cognitive development. On the other hand, Kohlberg focused on the moral aspect of an individual. However, Erikson’s theory takes the child from a young age, guides them through adolescence into adulthood and goes on to include the guidance to their old age. He takes the role of a guiding hand educating, pointing, and correcting how a child life has to develop.
Basic Trust
When we are born, seeking trust is a priority, and the immediate environment offers one a chance to understand what and who to trust. Erickson’s assertion for a child to develop the virtue of hope is dependent on the treatment of the child. During the stage of infancy, the infant turns to the care given hence in incidences where the care is consistent; the infant develops trust towards such people. In the end, parents want their children to start trusting them, but it is a process that starts at the infancy stage, something Erikson explains explicitly, which is different when one considers other theories that explains the same scenario ( Newman & Newman, 2018) .
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Autonomy
The stage lets us recognize the independence in growing up. We learn to be mobile while discovering the various skills and abilities bestowed upon us. For example, the stubborn ones start choosing the type of toys to play with while others start walking away from their parents. A child cannot grow on their own regardless of the inferred autonomy. Hence, parents have to be cautious during the stage. Indeed, parents have the responsibility of allowing their children to explore the limitations of their abilities as long as the environment is encouraging ( Newman & Newman, 2018) . A delicate balance exists prohibiting the parent from doing everything for the child and instead, allowing the child to fail in some tasks while succeeding in other functions, which will help them develop the virtue of will.
Initiative
This is the stage where energy is let loose in different directions. The stage denotes regular interaction between the child and other children in school. Playing is at the core of this development stage, where the child’s thirst for knowledge promotes their constant inquiry into different uncertainties. Instead of a parent treating the questions raised by the child to be trivial and a nuisance, they should be supportive of the children thus promoting the idea of development and growth ( Newman & Newman, 2018) . Furthermore, parents should pursue supportive roles in encouraging the children to be inquisitive while also providing the best answers possible to facilitate the child’s knowledge development, an important aspect that promotes the virtue of purpose.
Industry
At this stage, one starts learning how to read and write coupled with doing things on their own. Furthermore, the scene recognizes the critical roles taken by teachers in the child’s life in the process of teaching the children valuable skills. The levels of competence ascribed to me by my classmates denote the successful completion of the phase. In cases where children are encouraged and reinforced, the feelings of industriousness promote competence and confidence in their abilities ( Newman & Newman, 2018) . Although there will be failures, the children can learn to find better alternatives to turning the failures into opportunities.
Identity
During the adolescent stage, one is confused about their sense of worth hence most people inquire about their sense of self and the character ascribed to them. As a teenager, the adolescent stage set me upon a path that I still hold to the present date. I know my place in society thanks to that stage, which is why I can relate to the identity stage proposed by Erikson. For examples, girls take their position into womanhood while boys assume the mantle of manhood ( Newman & Newman, 2018) .
Intimacy
The individual no longer is a child; rather, they are adults concerned about forming intimate and loving relationships with others. For example, my friends just got engaged after hooking up on social media. I believe they were fulfilling the law of intimacy. Successfully conquering the stage exposes one to loving relationships coupled with a sense of commitment that comes with a fulfilled life. However, failure often leads to resentment, depression, and mistrust of other people ( Newman & Newman, 2018) . However, the main virtue advocated for in this stage is that of love, an attribute that is desirable to everyone regardless of their social position.
Generativity
Generativity comes down to one making an impact on the society they live through creation or nurturing of things that will exist long after the individual is dead. The stage calls for one to give back to society and different ways exist in how one can give back to the society including raising children or amassing wealth. For example, Bill Gates and his wife, through their philanthropic organization, are helping the poor children advance their skills in education. The virtue gained at this stage is one of care, where one lives on knowing that they gave back to the community and they will not remain forgotten after their death ( Newman & Newman, 2018) .
Ego integrity
The stage involves slowing down on productivity and resorting to analyzing life as an old person. For example, a corrupt individual will start wondering the reason why he preferred corruption over righteous acts. This may lead them to desire a second chance to rewrite their life book. Successfully surpassing this stage leads one to achieve the virtue of wisdom, an attribute that helps one look back on their lives and be grateful for what they accomplished ( Newman & Newman, 2018) . Wise people are also exposed to both integrity and despair, and this stage tells all the needed information.
Conclusion
The reason I support Erikson’s stages of development is because of the relationship I can attest to. Each of the above stages has been part of my life. On the other hand, while other theories explain their stand on the development process of a child, Erikson’s views are detailed and can easily be broken down to elaborate the essence of living to both the young and the old. Furthermore, the theory gives one a chance to decide what their life purpose would be.
Reference
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2018). Development through life: A psychosocial approach . Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
