he eight stages of development are:

Stage 1: Infancy: Trust vs. Mistrust

Infants depend on caregivers, usually parents, for basic needs such as food. Infants learn to
trust others based upon how well caregivers meet their needs.

 Trust: When caregivers respond promptly to an infant’s cries, the baby can learn to rely on
others. As caregivers fill an infant’s needs, the baby can develop a sense of trust and security.
 Mistrust: If caregivers neglect an infants’ needs, or if care is sporadic, an infant may grow
insecure. They may learn they cannot rely on others and thus feel unsafe.
Stage 2: Toddlerhood: Autonomy vs. Shame and Self-Doubt
During this phase, young children  begin exploring the world around them. They learn more
about their environment and their place within it. They also develop basic skills such as
toilet training.
 Autonomy: In this stage, caregivers often serve as a safe base from which to explore the
world. When caregivers encourage independence, children will feel secure enough to take
risks.
 Shame: Children whose caregivers discourage them may develop feelings of shame. If
caregivers foster excessive dependence, the child may learn to doubt their own abilities.
Stage 3: Preschool Years: Initiative vs. Guilt
Preschoolers are increasingly focused on doing things themselves and establishing their
own goals.

 Initiative: When caregivers nurture these tendencies, children learn how to make decisions
and plan for the future. They can grow into adults who are able to follow their ambitions.
 Guilt: If children are criticized for being assertive, they may feel guilt  for pursuing their
desires. Controlling caregivers may teach children to follow another’s lead rather than starting
their own plans.
Stage 4: Early School Years: Industry vs. Inferiority
As children grow in independence, they become increasingly aware of themselves as
individuals. They begin to compare themselves with others.

 Industry: Children who are accomplished compared to their peers can develop self-
confidence  and pride. Praise for their achievements can boost their self-esteem .
 Inferiority: Children who do not achieve certain milestones may doubt their abilities or self-
worth. When children are constantly criticized, they may develop feelings of inferiority .
Stage 5: Adolescence: Identity vs. Role Confusion
The famed term “identity crisis” comes from this period of development. During this stage,
adolescents’ main goal is to answer the question “Who am I?” They may try different
personas to determine which roles fit them best.
  Identity: To succeed in this stage, adolescents need to establish a coherent sense of self.
They will need to determine their priorities in life (family, academic success, etc.). Then they
will need to set goals for their adult selves based on those values.
 Role confusion: Some adolescents may have a weak sense of self. They may struggle to
break away from the person their parents or peers expect them to be. Without a
consistent identity , they may grow confused about what they truly want for the future.
Stage 6: Young Adulthood: Intimacy vs. Isolation
According to Erikson, young adulthood  is the period during which many people get married or
develop significant relationships . It has been defined as anywhere from 20-24 years to 20-40
years.
 Intimacy: Relationships can be a key source of affection and intimacy in adulthood. Many
find emotional benefits from having a committed, lifelong bond.
 Isolation: According to Erikson, people who do not develop relationships may become
socially isolated . They may develop long-term feelings of loneliness .
Stage 7: Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. Stagnation
The focus of this stage is to contribute to society and the next generation. Adults in this
stage are often at the height of their careers. Many people are raising children.

 Generativity: People may offer guidance to the next generation through parenting  or
mentorship. They may also offer lead the way by leaving a legacy. Contributing to society’s
future can give people a sense of community and purpose.
 Stagnation: Some people may feel as if they have no impact on society. If people do not find
their work meaningful, they may feel restless or isolated. Some may feel they have “peaked”
and that their lives will only get worse in the future.
Stage 8: Late Adulthood: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
During this phase, older adults reflect on the life they have lived.

 Ego Integrity: Those who feel fulfilled by their lives can face death and aging  proudly.
 Despair: People who have disappointments or regrets may fall into despair.

ntimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood)

In my last stage of life I see myself reflecting on my life
in a positive way. I always try to look on the bright side
of life. I see myself finding faults in my life, but mostly
focusing on my accomplishments. With all I have
learned about myself I will hopefully reflect on the
positive things in my life. For example if I have
grandchildren, or my profession lead to financial
success. 
In my young adulthood I have committed relationships
with my friends. Because of these relationship I have
gained self confidence. With these friendships I feel
comfortable around other people than my family and
people of the opposite sex.
Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (ages 1-3)
When I was 3 years old my level of independence grew
rapidly. I was at the mall with my mom and sister and I
walked away from my mom in search of a certain toy
that I wanted. I had complete confidence that I could
survive in the world on my own. I was completely
unaware of the panic my poor mother faced when she
turned around and I was no where to be found. Good
thing she got the mall security to look for me. 
At the age 4 I began to want to dress myself. What ever
my mom would pick out for me to wear I would refuse to
wear it and go pick out something on my own. 
At age 4 my little sister and I would always play games
that I would make up. I would always get to make up the
rules and I would take the initiative. I felt like I have
leadership because was the oldest. We would always
play teacher, and I of course always got to be the
teacher. I would sometimes be rude to my sister and get
her "in trouble" like a real teacher would and then I
would have a feeling of guilt.
In my adolescence I got the chance to help coach my
sisters soccer team. This opportunity aided in my
passion for helping other people. I had decided that I
wanted to be teacher or a nurse. I had a sense of
Moratorium.
In middle school I planned out how I saw my life being
like when I was older. I see myself getting married and
having children. I always have seen myself as a mother.
My parents and I both see my working in a profession
that helps other people. Some examples of those
professions would be a nurse of a doctor. I hope to fill
my life with productivity. 
Industry vs. Inferiority (Ages 6-puberty)
When I was 8 years old I was very prideful when I was
able to completely read a book. I would choose chapter
books and saw through with my goal of finishing them.
My school teachers were very encouraging to me about
my reading. Because I felt so much pride in completing
a book, I grew a sense of confidence.
Generativity vs. Self-Absorbtion/Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)
Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth – 1)
At birth my trust with my parents grew. I initially had a
strong sense of security with my mother because of
breast feeding and my strong dependence on her for
food, but as I stopped breastfeeding my trust grew equal
with my father.

Erik Erikson Timeline

The Timeline of Veina Pillai

Late Adulthood
Integrity vs. Despair
In my late adulthood, I will be sitting in the living room with my husband, smiling and laughing at all the
good memories we shared. The kids will be settled and I will have been retired from my job. I will
reflect back on the times I shared with my parents and sibling as well as with my friends. I will be
satisfied with what I have done for the people. I cared for their well being. I can say that I lived a long
and meaningful life.
Thank you!
Middle Adulthood
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Definition-People discover a sense of contribution to society through work or family, or they may feel a
lack of purpose.
Hopefully, by this age, I will be settled working somewhere in the medical field. I am anticipating that I
am a physician working as a family practitioner. I can come home every day saying that I have taken
good care of society. I will be making my parents prouder as each day goes by. I will also enjoy time
with myself and my own beautiful family.

Elementary School
6 years to puberty
Definition-Children learn the pleasure of applying themselves to tasks or they feel inferior. 
I no longer needed help while doing homework assignments. I started helping my mom around the
house and took really good care of my brother. If my parents weren't present at the time, I would take
the charge of taking care of him. I felt that I was able to do these things by myself without assistance.
It made me feel independent and older. I was able to stand out as a leader. 
Young Adulthood
Intimacy vs. Isolation

Preschool
Initiative vs. guilt
Definition-Kids learn to initiate tasks and carry out plans or they feel guilty about their independent
behavior.
After I was done playing with my toys, I would put them back where they belonged. I would try to
broom and clean but never really did a good job at it. I would not let my mom pick out my outfits for
school anymore. I would choose them myself. One time when I was sleeping on the bed, my mom put
my little brother on the bed as well. I wanted to show that I was able to take a nap myself so I tried to
push him off. My mom was furious with me and I felt very guilty.
Definition- Young adults struggle to form close relationships and feel intimate love or they became
isolated.

Infancy
Trust vs. mistrust
As I get older, I want to continue and focus on my studies. I wish to pursue a career in medicine or
biochemistry. Going into medicine and focusing on medicine is no easy task. There are going to be a
lot of challenges ahead of me and I wish to face them. When I have finally settled somewhere, then I
will begin to think about the second part of my life. 

Adolescence
teen years into 20's
Definition- Infants develop a sense of basic trust if their needs are met.
When I was little, I would never hesitate if someone wished to pick me up or hold me. But there was a
certain time range on how long I could stay with that person. It always depended on my mood. If my
parents are not there for a certain time period, I would start to react and begin to cry.
Definition- Teenagers work at refining a sense of self by testing roles and integrating them into a true
identity. If this is not the case, then they can be confused on who they are.
During the middle school years, I have switched from different schools which led me to have different
types of friends. But once I settled in, I knew who I was and where I belonged in the school
community. Ever since then, I have never been confused with my self.

Toddler hood
Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Definition- Children learn to exercise their will and do things for themselves, or they may doubt their
ability
Feeding was something that took me sometime to be independent at. It was always a necessity that
my mother had to feed me. I would never say that I want to eat my food by myself. If I was given a
plate of food, I would wait till my mom gave it to me. On the other hand, when we went on trips to the
park or shopping, I would never let my mom hold me or put me in a carriage. I felt that I was able to
observe the outside world without help.