My Psychosocial Stage of Development - Essay Example

In this paper, I shall attempt to explain my development over the years, and how different events have affected my personality. Erikson’s Stage Theory According to Erikson, an individual encounters eight stages of development across the life-span; and each stage poses a challenge or ‘conflict’ (Crain, 2011). The successful resolution of the conflict results in the development of an ability or quality that helps to cope with further events in the individual’s life. When resolution is incomplete, the person lacks the said ability, and thus may develop behavioral of cognitive issues (Crain, 2011).

The first stage of development occurs from birth to about 12 – 18 months of a child’s life; and presents the infant with the challenge of developing trust for the caregivers (Carver & Scheir, 2000). When a child is well cared for, they develop hope and learn to trust their environment and the people in them (Crain, 2011), while a child who does not receive consistent and adequate care can become mistrusting of others (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2004). The second stage of development lasts till about the third year of the child’s life and presents the conflict of developing autonomy as against shame and self doubt (Carver & Scheir, 2000). . Successful resolution of this stage provides the person with a sense of Purpose that enables them to take initiative in activities and carry them out (Carver & Scheir, 2000).

Unsuccessful resolution may cause the individual to be riddled with self doubt (Carver & Scheir, 2000). The period between the ages of six to 12 years poses the challenge of developing a sense of industry as against inferiority (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2004). A child who receives positive feedback for activities and success develops a pride in accomplishment and learns to believe in their own ability and skills (Crain, 2011). On the other hand, a child who receives no positive feedback or receives negative feedback nay develop a feeling of inferiority and may begin to believe that they are not as good as other, or not as capable as others (Carver & Scheir, 2000).

The fifth psychosocial stage is that stage between the ages of 12 and 19 years, and poses the conflict of developing a personal identity. An individual who receives adequate support for self exploration is able to develop a strong sense of identity, and becomes comfortable with him/herself. They develop the virtue of fidelity (Crain, 2011; Kail & Cavanaugh, 2004). On the other hand, a child who does not receive such support may be confused about how he/she is, and may experience role confusion.

The period between 19 to 25-30 years is focused on the development of strong and lasting personal relationships, and successful resolution leads to the development of intimacy and the ability to love, while inadequate resolution leads to the development of isolation (Carver & Scheir, 2000). Between the ages of