We human beings have a way we define ourselves. Theorists like Erik Erikson and others believed that personality and self-concept are what defines us. Since persons are not born with these characteristics Erikson asserted that personality was created during individuals’ relations with the social background. He also believed that human development was based on the fact that human beings interacted on an enlarging circle which begun from the mother, ending with the society. Within this circle, he successfully developed eight stages to explain a lifetime human development. These stages have specific tasks that have to be accomplished by an individual before moving to the next stage, however, the tasks are structured with antagonizing conflicts and developmental crises. As such, the next stage is founded on the success of resolving the previous stage’s developmental crisis. Outcomes of resolution of these crises are what creates a personality, hence individuals will have both strengths and weak points.
Stage one – Infancy; Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
The forming of trust will determine how the person will handle the subsequent stages. This is essential in developing a strong personality. My parents helped me to successfully complete this stage through breastfeeding and home-based care. My mother’s continuous attention and love influenced me to grow to be confident, and a trusting person. Her regular breastfeeding made me aware that food and other essential needs were always available.
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Stage two- Early Childhood, Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
The task for this stage is to form a sense of autonomy whereas beating shame and doubt. I do not remember much when developing at this stage, thus I asked my parents. Both of them concurred that I always wanted to discover, explore, and make use of newly acquired skills. As such, they allowed me to do as I wished within reason. This has subsequently made me develop into an independent young man today.
Stage three- preschool-age; Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt
This is a stage where children learn to master the environment around them, and with intentions to finish actions by themselves for a reason. The important task here is developing a sense of initiative. Play being a basic factor in my advancement, I was allowed to play different games which strengthened my self-worth. The support I got from parents made me aware that there were reasons behind my actions. This made me have a sense of purpose.
Stage four- school-age; Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority
The developmental task to be accomplished at this stage is to have a sense of industry. The school provided me with the opportunity to develop skills, get involved, and exert my abilities. At this stage, I wanted to fit in and gain acceptance amongst my peers. This made me engage in numerous activities such as sport, athletics among other activities that my peers engaged in.
Stage five- Adolescence; Crisis: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Unlike other stages where development depended on what other individuals did, this stage development depends on what an individual does. An individual needs to develop a sense of identity at this stage. And I always thought that I knew my true identity, and convinced in who I had become. At the age of 17, I was overwhelmed by peer pressure I joined a group that defined who I was. The group was characterized by substance abuse, and promiscuous sex, and bullying of fellow students at the school. I bet this was just not me. It took me three years to rediscover myself. However, I am yet to find my true identity.
Stage six-love; Crisis: Intimacy vs. Isolation
It is at this stage that individuals start to seek companionship. To resolve the crisis of this stage, it depends on the individual’s ability to love and the capacity to be loved. After an individual has established and feels secure with their identity is when they can be ready for intimacy. Since I am yet to establish my true identity- not mentioning feeling secure advancing forth with my development might be a little challenging. Having just entered this stage recently does not make it any easily.
Conclusion
Definitely each stage has had its challenges; nevertheless, each experience equipped me with something new and had a positive impact on the whole development process. However, in the process of searching my true identity, I am prepared to engage life’s crises and I am optimistic about my future.
