Do you know how your life is shaped? Let's talk about Erikson's 8 Stages of Development

As we all grow up, our personalities, behaviors, and ways of thinking change so much, don't they? We are not the same as we were when we were young. We are not the same as we were when we were young, but in middle age. Have you ever wondered how this change happens? A German psychologist named Erik Erikson has given a very wonderful explanation about this. He said that we go through 8 main stages in our lives from birth to death. In each of these stages, we face some kind of "psychological conflict." The way we overcome that conflict is what builds our personality, that is, who we are.

What are Erikson's 8 stages of development?

Simply put, Erikson's theory suggests that our ego identity develops gradually throughout our lives through these 8 stages. It's not as if one stage ends and another begins, but rather that these stages are interconnected, and what is left over from one stage can affect the next stage.

Imagine, there is a young child, if he feels shy or doubtful about his abilities, that feeling does not end there. Even when he moves on to the next stages of life, those feelings can continue to affect his personality. In the meantime, he moves through other stages.

Let's clearly see what these 8 stages are.

Let us now look at these stages in detail one by one.

Each of these stages is like the bricks in the foundation of a building. It is by placing one on top of the other that a strong personality is built.

Stage 1: Infancy (birth to 18 months) - Trust and Mistrust

Imagine when a little baby is born... he doesn't understand anything about this world. He is completely dependent on his mother, father or his caregivers. When the baby cries because he is hungry or because of some other problem, when you hold him, feed him, and comfort him with love, a trust is built in the baby's heart . He learns that "there is someone who will take care of my needs." Over time, this trust is also developed in other people.

However, if a baby is neglected and his needs are not met on time, he will develop a sense of distrust . If trust is not built at this stage, it will be very difficult to build it later. When problems arise in life, such people can feel great disappointment.

Stage 2: Toddler (18 months - 3 years) - Independence and shyness/doubt

This is the time when your little one is learning to do things on their own. They are trying to eat, dress themselves, and reach for a toy. If you encourage them at that time and say, "That's great, you can do it," they will develop a sense of self-confidence and autonomy .

But, if you discourage him by saying, "Oh, don't do that, you can't do it, you'll fail," he may feel ashamed and doubt his abilities.

Stage 3: Preschool age (3-5 years) - Initiative and guilt

This is the time when children start working on their own, like to ask for new things, build playhouses, and draw pictures. They start to feel that they have a purpose and goal in life. When you encourage them in the things they do, they are motivated to take initiative . They say, "I will do this."

However, if you criticize or interrupt what they are doing, they may feel guilty , wondering, "Am I doing something wrong?"

Stage 4: Early School Age (6-11 years) - Industriousness and Inferiority

At this stage, the child begins to become aware of his own identity and his own talents. He begins to compare himself with his friends at school and on the playground. The star mark given by the teacher in class, the certificate for winning a sports competition, are very valuable to him.

When they receive support and appreciation from teachers, parents, and friends, they feel like they are talented and productive . However, if their efforts are not appreciated, they may feel inferior and worthless.

Stage 5: Adolescence (12-18 years) - Identity and role confusion

Have you heard the term "identity crisis"? It comes from this stage. During this time, a young child is racking their brains with questions like "Who am I? What do I want to be? What is my place in society?" They are trying to establish goals and values ​​for adult life.

If they are able to properly establish their identity during this time, it will be a great strength in life. But if they are pressured by expectations and responsibilities from parents and society, they may end up in a state of role confusion where they cannot figure out who they are and what they want.

Stage 6: Young Adulthood (ages 19-40) - Intimate Relationships and Isolation

This is the time when we form the friendships and romantic relationships that are so important in life. If these relationships are meaningful and strong, you will feel a sense of intimacy with others.

However, if you have difficulty building these relationships, you may feel isolated and lonely.

Stage 7: Middle Age (40-65 years) - Fertility and Stagnation

When you reach this stage, you feel a great need to guide your children, the young people in society, and to teach them what you know. This is called generativity . It involves taking responsibility and caring for those around you.

But, if you don't act as a mentor or guide in any way, you may feel frustrated and unhappy with life. This can lead to you becoming isolated from friends, family, and society and becoming stagnant .

Stage 8: Old age (after 65 years) - perfectionism and disappointment in personality

This is the final stage that Erikson calls. During this time, we look back on our lives. If you are satisfied with the life you have lived, you will age with dignity (ego integrity) . You will feel proud of what you have done. You will want to share your life experiences and wisdom with others.

But, when you look back on your life, all you're left with are regrets like, "Oh, I wish I had done that back then," and you may fall into despair .

Being aware of these stages will help you understand your child, as well as yourself, as a parent. If your child or you are experiencing unusual difficulties at any stage, it is important to talk to a doctor or psychologist about it.

Erikson, stages of development, psychology, personality, child development, mental health, life stages