Finding Meaning Through Life's Stages

How our age impacts our values from birth to late adulthood.

The meaning of life is a giant topic—one that has preoccupied theologians, philosophers, scholars, and humankind throughout time. All kinds of theories have been posited, but have you ever noticed that your own personal viewpoint has changed over the years? For instance, your 5-year-old self might have said that the meaning of life is about learning the alphabet in order to have recess while your 19-year-old self may have suggested that meaning is about finding love. Whatever the answers, it does seem to change over one's lifetime.

preoccupy - занимать, тревожить

viewpoint - точка зрения

recess - перерыв

0-18 months Trust vs. Mistrust
Does infant have enough loving and nurturing to develop a sense of trust or does infant become distrustful when not consistently nurtured or heard? According to John Bowlby's Attachment Theory, this is where a secure, avoidant or anxious attachment comes into play.

consistently - постоянно

avoidant - избегающий

18 months to 2 or 3 years Autonomy vs. Shame or Doubt
This is where the child begins to recognize their independence. A parent's reaction to this stage can create feelings of autonomy and self-esteem or, it is suggested, that an over-bearing and punishing parent can make child feel doubt, shame and lead to lower self-esteem throughout life.

over-bearing - властный, гипер-опека

2 or 3-6 years Initiative vs. Guilt
This is an extension of the previous stage where a child recognizes independence and takes initiative through individual acts. The child begins to develop a sense of responsibility for their own actions. Again, it is suggested that a parent's reaction will result in a child feeling guilty about this expression of independence or validated to take initiative.

validated - подтвердить

6-11 yearsIndustry vs. Inferiority
Typically, a child at age 4 will begin to play with (interactively) other children. Similarly, this stage involves a child developing a sense of self-worth via interactions with peers. In addition, teachers and the educational environment play a critical role in helping the child to feel encouraged and industrious or insecure and inferior.

peers - сверстники

industrious - прилежный

11 years to teen years Identity vs. Identity Diffusion
Not surprisingly, this is the most well-known stage of identity development. The teenager develops an identity by literally trying out different "selves" and finding one that fits. Peers, role models and social pressure play a part in this developmental stage.

Late Teen to Early Adulthood Intimacy vs. Isolation
The preoccupation with this stage is developing close relationships and achieving intimacy. Think marriage, partnership, family, religious commitment, career achievement...and fear of being isolated and not obtaining goals.

Middle AdulthoodGenerativity vs. Self-Absorption
Assuming intimacy has been achieved, generativity now takes hold. How can one give back to their community and feel their contributions are worthwhile? The other side of the struggle is that one does not give back and remains self-absorbed.

takes hold - закрепиться

This last stage is about looking back at one's life, facing death and overcoming despair. Integrity is about integrating the experiences of one's life and finding a sense of satisfaction and meaning.

Integrity - добросовестность, целостность

Original article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/counseling-keys/201802/finding-meaning-through-lifes-stages