Erik Erikson developed the theory of the eight stages of life. Erikson's theory focuses on development from birth to death, social context, and interpersonal relationships at each stage of life (McAdams, 2009). In the same way, each stage of life is understandable on three levels: the body, the ego, the family and the culture. The eight stages of life are infancy (trust versus distrust), early childhood (autonomy versus shame and doubt), childhood (initiative versus guilt), childhood (industry versus inferiority), adolescence, and early adulthood (identity versus role). confusion), young adulthood (intimacy versus isolation), mature adulthood (generativity versus stagnation (or egocentrism)), and old age (ego integrity versus despair). After reviewing Erikson's eight stages of life, I believe I am currently in stage seven. The seventh stage is known as mature adulthood (generativity vs. stagnation (or self-absorption)). I'm only 22 years old; however, I have completed the sixth stage of young adult life (intimacy or isolation). According to McAdams (2009), “in intimacy rather than isolation, the young adult seeks to form long-term bonds with others, embodied in marriage or long-term romantic commitments” (p. 382). . I grasped my identity and found intimacy. The intimacy I found was characterized by marriage. Since my husband and I have high levels of identity, we have been able to establish and maintain a stable relationship with each other. Through the perseverance of the sixth stage, I have now entered the seventh stage of life. The seventh step focuses on generativity versus stagnation. McAdams (2009) states, “To be generative is to generate a legacy of oneself for the benefit of future generations” (p. 382). There are four types of gender...... middle of paper ......ile dating. He consciously knows what he wants in a long-term relationship, but there are also things he doesn't know. In order to consciously answer this question, one must be fully open to commitment and love. Additionally, he must find his true identity. Once he finds his true identity, he can find the intimacy he seeks. Nevertheless, Erikson's eight stages of life are presumptions for understanding the entire lifespan of an individual. In the same way, these eight steps help individuals find their full identity or ego. Each individual will achieve each stage at different levels due to their development. However, everyone will eventually discover their evolution from birth to death. Works Cited McAdams, D. (2009). The person: an introduction to the science of personality psychology. Fifth edition. John Wiley and sons.