I learned that if I wanted to be better at a skill, there were things at which I had to work. Identity v. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, Identity v. Role Confusion, is one I remember very clearly. As a typical teenager, I struggled to "find myself." There were so many identities out there to choose from, and it seemed like what was "cool" changed from week-to-week. Peer pressure also factored into what I thought was the type of person I should be. I'm sure my parents were worried about my ever-changing modes of dress, hairstyles, even the music I was listening to throughout my teenage years. However, eventually, I developed a sense of who I was (which was nothing like the stereotypes of people I and my friends had been trying to be) and this personal identity seems to have brought a sense of balance in my life. Knowing who I am has helped with the next stage of development on Erikson's list.

Intimacy v. Isolation

Erikson's Intimacy v. Isolation stage is the stage I'm just entering into now, in my life. As a twenty-year-old college student, dating is becoming increasingly important. I've started to think about with who I'd like to spend the rest of my life -- what type of person I think would be best-suited to my personality and my needs. Developing these intimate relationships are a critical factor for this stage of psychosocial development. Each successful one helps build an experience base that allows the next one to be even stronger. Of course, I've also experienced the failure of these types of relationships and the associated isolation and loneliness that comes with this failure. However, I try to learn from the mistakes I've encountered and not repeat them in future relationships.

Generativity v. Stagnation

In Erikson's second to last stage of psychosocial...

Stagnation, this is the stage where adults work towards creating things that last beyond their individual life. Having children is a prime example of this stage, as well as professional accomplishments and involvement in philanthropic organizations. All of these activities give the person a sense of doing things that they'll be remembered for after they've died. Although personally I'm not ready to have children, and I will have to wait until my education is completed to make history making accomplishments in my career, I have thought about these things. I do see their value and am looking forward to moving into that stage of my life.
Integrity v. Despair

Integrity v. Despair is Erikson's last stage. In this stage, older individuals reflect back on their accomplishments and either feel fulfilled or are regretful that they didn't accomplish more. Although I'm not in this stage yet, I can empathize with it. I look back at my high school years very similarly. There are accomplishments I'm proud of, yet there are things that if I had the chance to do it again that I'd do differently. I wish I had been more involved in extracurricular activities. There are also times I wish I had studied harder. I hope that when I do reach this last psychosocial stage, that my accomplishments far outweigh my regrets.

Conclusion

Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development juxtapose forces in each stage of a person's life. From the Trust v. Mistrust forces of infancy to the Integrity v. Despair forces of our later years in life, each stage is a stepping stone that helps facilitate success in the next stage. So far, I've been quite lucky that I've had the love and support of a good family that has meant my transitions between each stage has been fairly smooth.