In Erikson’s first stage of psychosocial development, one could have a sense of Trust, feeling as though one can rely on someone, or Mistrust, feeling …show more content…
During this stage, children are starting to make their own decisions. Initiative is when children start to plan activities and games with other children that help them make decisions. Guilt occurs when the child is criticized for their decisions and ideas (Rathus 165). This stage occurs between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Spencer Rathus explains that during this stage “children learn that not all their plans, dreams, and fantasies can be realized” (Rathus 165). They start to notice that they may be criticized for some of their ideas and do not want to pursue them. I was most influenced in my development by Initiative as I would always come up with activities to play with my sister and friends. Even if people criticized my ideas, I would come up with others that we could do. This has helped me to realize that people will criticize the things I want to do but I should not let it stop …show more content…
This stage occurs between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. I believe that throughout this stage I will continue to achieve Intimacy. I have attained relationships with friends that I can count on and I enjoy getting to know people and making new friends. Although I have not found a significant other yet, I believe that when it happens in the future I will achieve Intimacy through that as well.
The seventh stage of Erikson’s theory, occurring between the ages of 40 and 65 years old, states that we either reach a place of Generativity, being productive in life and in society, or Stagnation, being unproductive (McLeod). While I have not attained this stage yet, I hope that I will achieve Generativity and be a productive member of society. I hope to have a job and kids by this time to settle down. I want to be useful and accomplish things by this stage and have a meaningful, purposeful