Erik Erikson composed a theory of psychological development consisting of eight stages. Erikson's theory focuses on how personalities evolve over the lifespan as a result of the interaction between biologically based maturation and societal demands. According to Erikson “Each stage of human development presents its characteristic crises. Facing each crisis well makes the individual better prepared to face the next one." (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2013, p. 314) According to Erikson's eight stages of development, I have only gone through six of the eight stages. The first stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory is called "Basic Trust vs. Basic Distrust." This stage runs from birth to eighteen months of age. According to Erikson, at this stage my parents were the main variable from which I learned to trust. They provided me with love, care, and nourishment so that I could learn to trust them. In my particular case, being like I was adopted, it was probably a little harder for me to trust my parents at first. Even though my parents constantly babysat me before becoming my adoptive parents at age three months, I can only imagine how much more difficult it was for them to form a bond of trust with me in the beginning. The second stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory is called “Autonomy versus shame and doubt”. This stage varies between eighteen months and three years of age. According to Erikson, during this stage I was trying to learn to do things independently, such as feeding myself, walking and using the toilet. Performing these tasks provided me with a sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. On the other hand, if I were constantly punished at this age, I would doubt myself, rather than gain confidence. . middle of paper... feeling of inferiority therefore; I will do whatever it takes to not feel this way. The fifth phase taught me how to identify with who I was that accompanies me to this day. Rather than getting confused with who I was or what I wanted to be, during this phase I identified with myself. During the sixth phase, the final phase, I learn that I have problems with isolation and I have a strong need of intimacy because of the strong relationship I have had with my father since I was a child. I'm currently still going through this phase and I'm wondering if it's something I'll grow out of or if it's something that will stay with me forever. Works Cited Zastrow, C., & Kirst-Ashman, K.K. (2013). Understanding human behavior and the social environment. Australia: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.