The Nine Stages of Life According to Erik Erikson and Patricia Nelsen

Stage 1 – Trust vs. Mistrust: Hope Birth to Age 1 Incorporation – grasping and taking in through senses Secure image of external objects People are reliable and dependable

My encounter with Trust vs Mistrust The crisis was this: Being on the edge of a bench at the top of a high hill was less than safe. It was resolved By knowing that my parents were nearby and I could depend on them to understand my fear and rescue me. I faced the future with Hope.

Stage 2 – Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt: Will Ages 1 to 3 Can do things “on my own” Tries to exercise choice Faces social pressures to conform

My encounter with Autonomy vs Shame and Guilt The crisis was this: I don’t remember being naughty. I do remember the “punishment chair”. It was resolved by exercising my will to make choices while being guided to include some self-restraint. I began to explore the world.

Stage 3 – Initiative vs. Guilt: Purpose Ages 3 to 6 Make plans Set goals and persevere Participate as equals with parents

My encounter with Initiative vs Guilt The crisis was this: I made a mental plan and goal. I took the initiative to express my desire. It It IIt IIt It was resolved when my parents verified my equality by returning to the Yard and Garden place. I felt a strong sense of Purpose.

Stage 4 Industry vs Inferiority: Competence Age 6 to 11 Exercise intelligence and skills Complete tasks No strong feelings of inferiority

My encounter with Industry vs Inferiority The crisis was this: Being taller than my peers was not cool before the emergence of girls athletic programs. It was resolved at age 9 when my little sister, Dixie, was born and I became a valuable and contributing member of my family in a very grown up way. My feelings of competence transferred to my school accomplishments.

Stage 5 Identity vs Role Confusion: Fidelity Adolescence Search for values Choices for the future Ego identity – one’s place in society

My encounter with Identity vs Role Confusion The crisis was this: I had some unrealistic teen-age dreams and some sensible life choices, It was resolved by the trust of my parents who let me have my own head without interference. I kept other doors open – with the exception of the ballerina thing. In this way I found fidelity to myself.

Stage 6 Intimacy vs Isolation: Love Young Adulthood Secure with one’s identity True mutuality with another

My encounter with Intimacy vs Isolation The crisis was this: Do I choose my own solitary college and career path, or do I bond and blend my life choices with the life choices of another? It was resolved when I followed my heart and married my friend and bonded and blended. The love I found in this decision brought along other whole networks of people that resolved the isolation crisis in my life.

Stage 7 Generativity vs Self Absorption and Stagnation Care Middle Adulthood Need to create, produce, and guide Overcome self-indulgence Responsible for care of others

My encounter with Generativity vs Self-Absorption and Stagnation The crisis was this: My father passed away and my mother, with the beginnings of Alzheimer’s, moved into our home the year that I began my teaching career. It was resolved when I shared the responsibility of my mother’s care with wonderful care-givers so that I could have my teaching career. I was able to generate care and also avoid my own stagnation.

Stage 8 Ego Integrity vs Despair: Wisdom Old Adulthood Was my life meaningful? How am I doing with my inner struggle?

My encounter with Ego Integrity vs Despair The crisis is this: Oh ______! I think I’m in this stage now! It was resolved like this: Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow may never come. All I have is the gift of Today. That’s why it’s called – the “Present”. This is true for me and everyone – whatever age-stage they are in. All anyone has is Now. Let’s live in it!

Stage 9 Integrity vs Despair and Disgust: Dignity This wasn’t the life I asked for! Wild women don’t get the blues. If it’s true that well-behaved women rarely make history, I’m going to be a legend. The crisis is this: I think the dignity part is beyond me! I resolve it: My life has unfolded in wonderfully surprising ways. ( and just so you know – I “yada-yada” ed through all the good parts!)