Erikson's Theory: Trust Versus Mistrust

The first stage of Erik Erikson’s theory is Trust versus Mistrust. Children go through this stage from birth to eighteen months and this is the stage when kids learn if they are able to trust the world or not. The quality of the care that is given to the child is critical if they want to achieve the sense of trust. I personally do not remember going through this stage but from analyzing the type of person I am today, I can assume that I have successfully achieved trust. I have a wonderful relationship with my parents, especially my mother. With that said, I think it is safe to say that the foundation of trust was established between us because I feel safe and secure in my world.
The second stage is Autonomy versus Shame/Doubt and this happens from eighteen months to the age of three. Children who successfully complete this stage feel safe and confident. Whereas, if children are not given enough opportunities to establish themselves then they will start to become too dependent on others and feel uncertain in their own abilities (cite). Again, it is difficult for me to remember going through this stage however, after speaking with my mom …show more content…
This stage is when we build on our sense of identity and begin developing deeper connections or intimacy with another person (cite). However, in order to be successful in this stage, one must have successfully passed the identity stage. According to Erikson, since I have not quite established my sense of identity I am not able to be fully successful in stage six. I do have deep relationships with family members and friends, but unfortunately, I have struggled with developing an intimate relationship with a significant other, which could be due to the fact that I still have not established my identity. Until I reach my sense of identity I will try not to develop an intimate relationship because of my feelings of isolation and lack of