Erik Erikson was a psychologist who conceived various theories to describe how humans developed psychosocially. Even though he looked up to Sigmund Freud, Erickson paid particular attention to psychosocial rather than psychosexual development. In this regard, he mentioned that an individual psychological development happens in a predetermined path of eight stages. These eight stages include trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativist vs. stagnation, and integrity vs. despair. One has to go through these stages as they start at birth and end when the individual dies.
Trust vs. mistrust opens the psychosocial development stages in humans. The stage begins at birth and continues till the age of one and a half months. During this stage, the child is unsure of their environment a nd looks up to the mother for security and safety. If the care they receive is consistent and reliable, they can build trust ( Orenstein & Lewis, 2020) . However, if the parent does not consistently meet these needs, then one can develop mistrust, anxiety, and suspicion as they grow. If a baby goes through this stage successfully, then they can develop the virtue of hope ( Brown & Lowis, 2013) . On the other hand, a baby who does not go through the stage develops fear at their later stages of life and is evident in how they relate with others. I resolved this stage by always being positive and optimistic about my future. The virtue of hope steers me towards success in everything I do.
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Autonomy vs. shame comes second and is experienced between one and a half and three 3 years. The stage is characterized by children attempting to control certain basic motor skills and autonomy. Children who are do not succeed at the level often build the virtue of will and are confident in their abilities to try new things, especially if they are encouraged to do so ( Orenstein & Lewis, 2020) . On the other hand, children whose parents are overly controlling at this stage often end up harboring feelings of inadequacy in their ability to survive ( Brown & Lowis, 2013) . Such children are overly dependent on others for support and can sometimes have a sense of doubt, shame, and a low self-esteem. I successfully resolved this stage because of the constant encouragement I got from my mother and elder siblings, who let me do the basic activities alone. In turn, I experienced positive outcomes, which majorly manifested in how I related with people in my environment. For instance, I always find it necessary to let someone know when I disagree with them. In turn, I have developed a cordial relationship with my peers.
Initiative vs. guilt comes third, and a child experiences it from three to five years. Here, a child attempts to assert their authority over others by attempting to be in control when they play with others. Since part of the psychosocial development is characterized by vigor and action, a parent may perceive that their child is aggressive ( Ochse & Plug, 1986) . Children go out of their way to develop interpersonal skills while at school and during social interactions. Those who undergo this stage successfully develop a sense of initiative to the point that they feel confident in their leadership and decision-making abilities ( Orenstein & Lewis, 2020) . On the other hand, those whose parents are overly controlling and critical often become guilty. While the child will try to engage with other children, they may tend to be forceful. The danger comes when the parent tries to punish or restrict this initiative. I was successful because my parents always encouraged me to play and take control of games. They, however, restrained me in instances where I overstepped my boundaries, which gave me a sense of self-control sense. It had a positive impact as I grew up because today I can confidently execute my plans to a successful completion.
Industry vs. inferiority is the fourth stage, and it occurs between five and twelve years of age. Teachers and peer groups are the ones who are mostly involved in this stage of a child’s development because it happens at school. Here, children will develop specific skills as they give them instructions that prepare them for various competencies. They also have to belong to a peer group to draw confidence and a sense of self-esteem ( Ochse & Plug, 1986) . It is also at this stage that a child will crave approval and pride themselves in some achievements. As a result, they will try to engage in activities that society values to win approval. Children who are always encouraged and reinforced to continue with these activities often develop competence and industry. On the contrary, children who have this initiative restricted often turn out to be inferior and doubtful of their abilities. It then hinders them from reaching their full potential. Since my parents were supportive at this stage, I managed to exploit my full potential and become competent in athletics. It also had a positive outcome because I always feel satisfied and thrilled when I accomplish a goal.
Identity vs. role confusion is the fifth stage of psychological development, and it starts from twelve to eighteen years of age. The stage usually coincides with the adolescent stage, where individuals search for a sense of purpose and self-identity. Also, at this point, they have interacted with many people in school and startto have critical questions about themselves. The stage is also an essential one because it marks the transition between childhood and adulthood. Individuals here are starting to focus on the future in different aspects, including relationships, families, and careers ( Orenstein & Lewis, 2020) . The children focus on their sexual roles in the as they prepare to face adult life. If a person goes through this stage successfully, then they can develop the virtue of fidelity. Those who have a negative experience with it face role confusion. I was successful in resolving this stage because I accepted the changes to my body and life. it prevented me from feeling out of place whenever with my peers, and I feel that I have fitted well in society.
The sixth stage is intimacy vs. isolation and occurs between eighteen and forty years. The stage is characterized by the confusion of building relationships with people in one's environment. Individuals tend to explore intimate relationships with someone other than a member of their family. A successful person at this stage usually shows care, safety, and commitment with the person they are seeking an intimate relationship with ( Orenstein & Lewis, 2020) . I was successful at this stage because I was outgoing and showed genuine concern to those I was looking to have an intimate relationship with.
The seventh stage is generativity vs. stagnation, which occurs in middle adulthood. In psychology, generativity refers to the making of one's mark that would outlive them. It is characterized by these individuals having initiating projects that will survive for several years after them, like having mentees whom they help to create a positive life ( Orenstein & Lewis, 2020) . In other words, this is the stage where one gives back to society, and it occurs in ways like raising children. Generativity makes one feel like they are a part of success in one way or another. Successful individuals at this level have a sense of care. Contrarily, those who fail feel less accomplished and involved in the world.
Integrity and despair is the last stage, and it begins at sixty five and ends when one dies. At this stage, people who have had significant accomplishments in their life reflect on their contribution to the world and develop a sense of integrity ( Orenstein & Lewis, 2020) . Those who have not accomplished this stage substantially resort to despair and bitterness. When one lives past the sixty-five-year mark, they are considered retired and living a less productive life. Wisdom is the virtue that one develops when they live through this stage successfully.
In a nutshell, Erikson developed eight stages of psychosocial development in humans. He has described each of these steps with their characteristics and what they entail. As seen in each of the sections, some individuals go through the paper successfully while others do not. Those who are successful in each of the steps emerge with certain virtues that help them traverse through life. On the other hand, those who are not successful usually have developed characteristics that prevent them from living a psychosocially healthy life. Parents have a big role to play as one goes through some of the stages, especially the lower ones. I had a positive outcome in most of the stages, which led a generally positive lifestyle.
References
Brown, C., & Lowis, M. J. (2013). Psychosocial development in the elderly: An investigation into Erikson's ninth stage. Journal of Aging Studies , 17 (4), 415-426.
Ochse, R. & Plug, C. (1986). Cross-cultural investigation of the validity of Erikson’s theory of personality development, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 50 (6), 1240-1252.
Orenstein, G.(2020). Eriksons Stages of Psychosocial Development. National Center For Biotechnology Information , 24 (5), 6661-6668.
