The question of how and at what points in life human development progresses has been the constant study of developmental psychologists. As a result, many different theories have been complied to explain this well pondered question. Among the various theories of development, psychologist Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development stands out from all the rest. According to Erik Erikson there are 8 stages of psychological development. These 8 stages are the following:
1. Trust vs. Mistrust ( birth- 1 and a half years)
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1 and a half - 3 years)
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years)
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years)
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence)
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Early Adulthood)
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)
8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood)
Inspired by Erikson's theory the following 8 songs represent the eight developmental stages in my personal life. Although I am still in the process of passing through these stages, these songs will represent not only what I was but who I wish to develop into. I hope to use Erikson's stages to learn a little bit more about myself.
Stage 1: Trust and Mistrust ( birth- 1 and a half years)
For this very first stage I chose a song I wrote myself called "Quilt from the Sky." This stage encompasses the very earliest moments of life. Erikson theorized that if a baby is given attention by her caregiver when she cries, that baby will develop trust in the world around she and be assured of her caregivers affection. In contrast if a baby is neglected consistently when she is crying, that child will develop mistrust in the world around her. When I was a small little baby my parents where always there to comfort me, and throughout my life I have always known how much they love me! I chose my own song for this stage because it exemplifies my parents love for me as a little one. They were always their to wrap my in love when I was crying out to them.
Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1 and a half - 3 years)
Born Free sung by Andy Williams is the song I chose to represent this stage in my life. This stage of development focuses primarily on the task of potty training. Erikson believed that either success or repeated failure in potty training had a great effect on a person throughout their life. When I asked my mom what I was like during this time she said that I was determined, free, and autonomous. She said that I was motivated to be potty trained quickly because I wanted to be a "big girl". I was also able to achieve my goal in a very short amount of time, much to her delight! My mother personally recommended this song to represent this life stage. I personally don't remember much about this time in my life so I took her word for it!
Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years)
I chose "Pick Yourself Up" sung here by Frank Sinatra to demonstrate my life at this stage. This stage of Development is all about trial and error. At this stage in life children try to do things on their own, and either success of failure follow. Success at this point can lead to taking more initiative and trying more on their own, but failure can lead to feelings of guilt and discouragement. I asked my mother about how I acted at this age and she summed up this stage for me with one challenge in particular that exemplified this part of my life: pouring water from a pitcher. My mother says that I was constantly afraid of spilling the water from the pitcher in one way or another and I became discouraged easily.When I was living through years 3-6 I was constantly afraid of failing. But Why then did I chose "Pick Yourself Up" to demonstrate this stage? Simple, I chose this song because although I was afraid of failing, my parents always encouraged me to do just what this song says: "Pick yourself up. Brush yourself off and start all over again."
Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years)
When it came to choosing a song for this stage of my life "Mr. Lonely" by Bobby Vinton was the first song that popped into my head. This stage is the years of Pre Adolescence and for most children is focused primarily on school, friends, and discovering talents. At the beginning of this stage in my life I was a perfectly happy little girl. I went to school, had friends, and enjoyed using my imagination. Right in the middle of this stage at about 9, I started homeschooling and I moved into a new neighborhood. After I moved we also started attending a new church. I found myself becoming socially awkward and I wasn't able to make friends at my new church. During this time I became very emotional, and I often felt insecure and inferior to others my age. Although I had friends in my neighborhood I still felt Isolated and lonely. I was "mr. lonely" for a good part of this stage! That is why I think the chorus of this song fits the stage I went through during my preadolescence.
Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence)
For stage five I decided to choose another of my own songs called "Daytime Dreamer". In this stage adolescent teenagers are trying to find their sense of self. Throughout this stage teenagers try out different roles such as: athlete, musician, or nerd. Success in this stage is characterized by a person finding their identity and discovering what career they wish to pursue. At 17 years old I am currently going through this stage of development. I am currently trying to discover what makes me special and what I want to spend the rest of my life achieving. Why I chose this particular song is because it is a song I wrote talking to myself. Throughout the song I am asking myself questions and in a sense telling myself that I am special and encouraging myself to hang in there through the role confusion I am facing. Also I refer to myself as a "Daytime Dreamer" which is my way of describing a person who has dreams about the future. I think this song fits this stage for me because I am currently battling with role confusion as well as identifying my dream in life and this is a song that is encouraging me not to hide my dreams of what could be but instead to follow them, finding my identity in the process.
Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (Early Adulthood)
"Wonderful You" yet another song of my own creation is what I chose to represent this stage. Stage six occurs in Early Adulthood and is focused on the development of relationships. Usually it is around this time that people start to think about marriage and are interested in deep relationships in contrast with the shallow relationships of adolescence. The song I chose is a love song about one especially wonderful person. Whether it be a good friend or a romantic relationship. I have not yet entered this stage of development but I can imagine myself deepening friendships and eventually finding that one wonderful person to spend my life with.
Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)
Okay, my chose for this stage is a little off the rack but I think it does relate to this stage. Stage 7 occurs during middle adulthood and success through this stage is characterised by feeling that you have made a contribution to life and future generations. Those who are unsuccessful during this stage however, will feel that they have not contributed to society and they will feel that their actions are useless. Failure in this stage often results from an unresolved identity in adolescence. Again, I have yet to reach this stage of development but I hope that by middle adulthood I will be successful in finding my purpose and Identity. With a positive outlook I chose this fun duet between Kermit the Frog and Bret Mackenzie to demonstrate the happiness and fulfillment one feels when they are confident in their achievements and contributions. I hope that I will be singing a happy song while passing through this stage.
Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despairs (Late Adulthood)
To me, this stage can be expressed perfectly with one song: My Way sung by Frank Sinatra. This stage of life reaches from late adulthood till death. In this stage people review their lives and attempt to asses their own lives. Naturally people will either look at their lives and be satisfied or they will regret the past. Of course all people have regrets throughout this stage but successful navigation of this stage is acceptance of those regrets and preparation for death. Thinking out this stage in my own life is quite depressing. I feel as if I am just beginning to live, but when I do reach this stage I hope that I will be able to accept my past and move towards my future. I believe in eternity, and I believe that through Jesus I have a Father waiting for me up in heaven when I go. With these throughts in mind I can face my future with confidence!
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