Right then.
A scientist named Erikson said that there were specific stages of development.
I'll show these stages through the timeline of my life. Let's be off then!
Stage 1: Infant (Birth - 1yr)
Yup that's me. Cute, huh?
Developmental Crisis: Trust Versus Mistrust
Babies learn to trust or mistrust others based on whether or not their needs-such as food and
comfort are met.
Successful Dealing with Crisis:
As an infant my needs were met, and I learned how to trust people, and I expected life to be
pleasant. I did this by having spent so much time with family members other than my mother. I was
also raised with love and care, therefore making me a happy, secure baby. My parents worked hard
everyday to keep me happy.
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
If my needs were not met, I would have not learned to trust. That's really sad for a baby.
Stage 2: Toddler(1-3 yrs)
I'm not sure what I'm eating...But heck it's Christmas!
Developmental Crisis: Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt
Toddlers realize that they can direct their own behavior.
Successful Dealing with Crisis:
I learned to be more independent by being successful in directing my own behavior. I did this by
learning how to use the potty. My mother taught me skills by using incentives, like stickers to get me
to learn. The same happened for reading, and in the end, I learned I could do it on my own!
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
If my attempt's at being independent had been blocked, I would have learned self-doubt and shame
for being unsuccessful. This could have happened if my parents had coddled me more.
Stage 3: Preschool Age(3-5 yrs)
It was Christmas time again... I was a jack-n-the-box!
Developmental Crisis: Initiative Versus Guilt
Preschoolers are challenged to control their own behavior, such as controlling their exuberance when
they are in a restaurant.
Successful Dealing with Crisis:
When I succeeded in taking responsibility, I felt capable and developed initiative. I did this by admittign
to my mistakes when my mom asked me about my constant yellow marks. I started telling her that I
had been talking too much.
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
If Is failed in taking responsibility, I felt irresponsible, anxious, and guilty. This is how I felt when I first
lied to my mom about the yellow marks.
Stage 4: Elementary School Age (5-12 yrs):
Aww! This was before my Dance Recital...
Developmental Crisis: Industry Versus Inferiority
School-aged children are faced with learning new social and academic skills. Social comparison is a
primary source of information.
Successful Dealing with Crisis:
When I succeeded at learning new skills, I developed a sense of industry, a feeling of
competence and self-esteem arising from my work and effort. I did this by attending school and
finally learning things such as Math, English, and Science. School was the main source of this, and I
always wanted Honor Roll.
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
If I failed to develop new abilities, I felt incompetent, inadequate, and inferior. I always tried to
prevent this outcome by studying hard.
Stage 5: Adolescence(13 - early 20's)
Ring Rose...
Developmental Crisis: Identity Versus Role Confusion
Adolescents are faced with deciding who or what they want to be in terms of occupation, beliefs,
attitudes, and behavior patterns.
Successful Dealing with Crisis:
When I succeed in defining who I am and find a role for myself, I develop a strong
sense of identity. I do this by choosing my career path, applying to colleges, trying to obtain
scholarships, and focusing on how to get through school. The major event here would be my
graduation from high school.
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
When I fail to define my identity, I become confused and withdraw or want to
inconspicuously blend in with the crowd. This definitely happened my Senior year! I felt hopless at
first ,but luckily I've gotten out of my rut. I felt as if I had nothing to give to the world or do for the
world, or even for myself.
Stage 6: Early Adulthood(20's & 30's)
Developmental Crisis: Intimacy Versus Isolation
The task facing those in early adulthood is to be able to share who they are with another person in a
close, committed relationship.
People who succeed in this task will have satisfying intimate relationships. I did this by getting married
at around 30 years old. My husband is the love of my life and I love having a real relationship that will
last forever. The wedding took place in El Paso, so that both of us could have a beautiful wedding
with both of our families present.
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
Had I failed at this task, I would have been isolated from other people and may have suffered from
loneliness. Thank goodness I got married!
Stage 7: Middle Age(40's & 50's)
Developmental Crisis: Generativity Versus Stagnation
The challenge is to be creative, productive, and nurturant of thenext generation.
Successful Dealing with Crisis:
Should I succeed in this challenge I will be creative, productive, and nurturant,
thereby benefiting myself, my family, community, country, and future generations.
I did this by staring a family with my husband and doing my best to raise my family, even while I am
working as a District Attorney for the city of, well, let's just guess :)
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
If I had failed this I would be passive, and self-centered, feel that I have done nothing for the next
generation, and feel that the world is no better off for my being alive. That would have been too much!
My husband and I hope for the best for the future and our children, two boys and two girls.
Stage 8: Late Adulthood( 60's & BEYOOOOONNND)
The issue is whether a person will reach wisdom, spiritual tranquility, a sense of wholeness, and
acceptance of his or her life.
Successful Dealing with Crisis:
I succeeded in addressing this issue, enjoy life and do not fear death. I did this by praying alongside
my husband. We have a few more years to go, but we've come to terms with our mortality, and hope
that either of us won't be too lonely without the other.
Unsuccessful Dealing with Crisis:
Elderly people who fail will feel that their life is empty and will fear death. The good thing is that
because I had my faith, family, and husband with me, I felt nothing of the sort.
And there you have it my time line, in a sense. I may be a little scientific, but it does outline my life :)
