Stages of Development
Question 1
The first stage of development is the trust versus mistrust phase. This mainly takes place during a child’s first year. During this period, the child is completely dependent upon his/her parents/caregivers, and depending on the care given, the child can develop confidence and trust (Scheck, 2014). Even though I cannot recall this phase, I believe I was well cared for as I was able to develop confidence in myself and trust in people. The confidence I developed thus prepared me for the second stage to be able to do certain tasks on my own. The second stage is characterized by the conflict between autonomy and shame/doubt. As a child becomes a toddler, the goal is to obtain a higher sense of personal control and independence. I remember having temper tantrums. However, I was quite an independent toddler as I learned fast how to use the toilet, feed myself, talk etc. Little did I know that I was being prepared to be resourceful in the following stage.
Initiative versus guilt is the third stage and it takes place between ages 3 and 5. This phase is centered on formulating a sense of self-initiative. My parents always encouraged me to take part in self-directed play, and I believe this is why I have a sense of strong initiative. Apparently, this stage prepared me to be active. In middle childhood (between 6 and 11 years) children enter the industry versus inferiority stage which is characterized by learning, developing and attaining many skills hence developing a sense of industry in a child (Scheck, 2014). During this period, I was ready to learn anything and that is why I partook in clay making, art and craft, singing, dancing and acting. Therefore, without my knowledge, the stage prepared me to be versatile, something that would come in handy during my adolescence.
The fifth stage is centered on identity versus role confusion. This period occurs during adolescence, and it is here where teens explore different identities, behaviors and roles. I really struggled during this stage to discover my own identity, what I want to become in future, and the people to associate with. For a while, I felt lost and not sure of my place in the world. As such, this stage prepared me to be flexible, a feature that would help me in my next stage. The sixth stage is referred to as intimacy versus isolation. This phase which occurs between 19 and 40 years puts emphasis on developing close, loving relationships with other individuals (Scheck, 2014). I must confess that it is during this period that I got attracted to several people before I settled on my current partner. This stage thus prepared me to be tolerant and hence face the stage that followed boldly.
The seventh stage is the generativity versus stagnation. As a person enters middle adulthood, the focus shifts towards the need to build or cultivate things that will outlive the person. I am currently working to create a good future for myself through acquiring higher education which will enable me to pursue my dream career and hence make a difference in society. I learned to be ambitious and goal oriented characteristics that will really be helpful in my next stage. Integrity versus despair is the last stage and it starts from 65 years till death. At this phase, the individual reflects on their life. The main question the person asks him/herself is: “Was the life I led meaningful?” I have not reached this stage yet but I hope to feel a sense of fulfillment having led a happy and meaningful life.
Question 2
As I progressed through each stage the agents of socialization changed from parents (stage 1) to family members (stage 2) to siblings (stage 3) to preschoolers (stage 4) to peer groups (stage 5 & 6) to education systems (stage 7) to religion (stage 8). I also realized that the level of influence of these agents of socialization increased as I progressed through each stage. I usually found myself looking up to these agents of socialization to inform me on how I should behave in certain stages. For the last stage which I have not reached, I predict that religion will be the most influential.
Reference
Scheck, S. (2014). The stages of psychosocial development according to Erik H. Erikson. GRIN Verlag.
