The Life Cycle Completed by Erik Erikson

I read this book before for school and reread it recently to refresh my memory on his stages. In developmental psychology, I found myself more in line with his stages and seemed to forget all about learning Piaget. I thought it would be interesting to reread both Erikson and Piaget developmental stages and see if this would give an explanation for why a book might appeal to one age over the other. Also, if I were to write a book for children, what would appeal? After reading so many books, I think I have a pretty good idea. Here are my notes on Erikson's stages through young adulthood with the caveat that not all people go through these stages at the ages listed:

• Infant (0-1): mastering trust but not at the point of extinguishing mistrust, look to mom - dad less so, develop hope and faith
• Toddler (2-3): develop autonomy and independence, look to parents, exploration and manipulation of the environment, gain independence, develop self-esteem, learn self control, leave this stage with determination and will in own abilities
• PreSchool (3-5): mastering initiative, play, having purpose, learning new skills, family is significant, develop purpose and courage to try
• School Age (6-12): master industry, able to focus on education and completing a task, become aware of rules, learning social skills like sharing and collaboration, classmates become influential, develop competence
• Adolescence (13-18): form an identity of who they are and how they fit within the community, without forming an identity may experience role confusion, peer groups and role models are important to this stage, develop fidelity and loyalty to community
• Young Adult (18- 30): master intimacy, lose and find oneself in another, two equals coming together to form something larger, be close to others and society, opposite of isolation, develop ability to love

Erikson, E. (1998). The Life Cycle Completed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company, Inc.