Erik Erikson developed an eight stage model of human development.

At each stage we find the answer to an existential question. If we do not we still go on to the next stage. Also as life happens we change our answers to these questions. So what are the questions.

“Can I trust the world” is answered before we are two years old. Consequently as we have no memories at that time then the answer is only known subconsciously. May be the answer to that question is what makes a person pessimistic or optimistic. When things happen we can revise our answer.

“Is it okay to be me” gets answered between two and four. Again we may not remember the answer but the answer may influence if we are introverted and happy to be ourselves or extroverted relying on others to validate our self-worth.

“Is it okay for me to do, move and act” is answered between four and five. This affects your confidence.

“Can I make it in the world of people and things” This will influence your confidence as you learn between five and twelve.

“Who am I” and “who can I be” are the classical questions asked between thirteen and nineteen.

“Can I love” is the question people ask between twenty and thirty-nine.

“Can I make my life count” is the question associated with the age range forty to sixty-four. This upper age would be extended as the retirement age raises towards seventy or seventy-five.

“Is it okay to have been me” is the question asked between retirement (sixty-five in Erikson’s time) and death. If you have not reached this age then the aim is to be able to answer this in a positive manner.

When going through a recovery procedure these questions will need to be resolved one way or another. They need to be answered in a more positive way than in the past.

Good luck writing your answers to these questions.