Many of our temperament traits are evident at birth. However, other characteristics such as confidence, guilt and competence are learned based on our life experiences and the support we receive as we grow and develop. Through his research, Erikson became aware of the influence of maturation and social demands on behavior and ultimately on our development. He believed that these two forces “have driven humans all over the world…[a set of] eight psychosocial crises” (Sigelman, C. & Rider, E., 2009, p. 332). He organized life into eight stages that extend from birth to death. Erikson's first psychosocial conflict is trust versus distrust. This stage begins at birth and continues until approximately one year of age. The central question that the infant must resolve at this stage is “Can I trust others?” » (Sigelman, C. and Rider, E., 2009, p. 332). Erikson (2009) believed that infants learn to trust others if their needs are met by their caregivers. If a caregiver does not respond to the infant's needs and these are not met, “the balance of trust…will tip in the direction of distrust” (Sigelman, C. & Rider, E., 2009, p 332). By resolving this problem of trust and distrust, Erikson believed that infants “begin to recognize that they are separate from caregivers who meet their needs…[and] begin to distinguish themselves from others” (Sigelman, C. & Rider, E. ., 2009, p. 332). Child development research supports this stage and has shown that infants at 2 to 3 months of age begin to differentiate themselves from their caregivers. Erikson believed that “for development to proceed optimally, a healthy balance between the terms of each amalgam must be found” (Sigelman, C. & Rider, E., 2009, p. 332). Therefore, it is important for development to have a middle of paper ......ns…[and to have] a more realistic conception of goals" (Rice & Dolgin 2002). I entered into the identity- I reached this stage a few years after graduating from college When I first graduated from college, I was still in the moratorium stage, because I was still trying to figure out what career I wanted, j. I had already accepted who I was as a person and had defined my ideological identity, but I still couldn't figure out what I wanted from my career. While working in a library, I realized that. it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life I am and what I want in life I determined my career goals and the things I need to do to achieve them. I personally have. Although I am aware of my limitations, I know how to achieve them I work around them and I rely on my strengths to overcome these limitations..