Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development At each stage of development presents a new crisis to be resolved Focuses attention on that issue By end of period: Crisis resolved positively – healthy development Crisis resolved negatively – hinders further psychological development

Trust vs. Mistrust Infancy (birth – 1 year) Infants learn to trust that their needs will be met by the world, especially by the mother – or they learn to mistrust the world

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt Toddlerhood (1-2 years) Children learn to exercise will, to make choices, and to control themselves – or they become uncertain and doubt that they can do things by themselves

Initiative vs. Guilt Preschooler (3-5 years) Children learn to initiate activities and enjoy their accomplishments, acquiring direction and purpose. Or, if they are not allowed initiative, they feel guilty for their attempts at independence.

Industry (Competence) vs. Inferiority Elementary school age (6 years – puberty) Children develop a sense of industry and curiosity and are eager to learn – or they feel inferior and lose interest in the tasks before them.

Identity vs. Role Confusion Adolescence (teens – 20s) Adolescents come to see themselves as unique and integrated persons with an ideology – or they become confused about what they want out of life

Intimacy vs. Isolation Early Adulthood (20s – early 40s) Young people become able to commit themselves to another person – or they develop a sense of isolation and feel they have no one in the world but themselves

Generativity vs. Stagnation Middle Age (40s – 60s) Adults are willing to have and care for children and to devote themselves to their work and the common good – or they become self-centered and inactive

Integrity vs. Despair Old Age (late 60s and up) Older people enter a period of reflection becoming assured that their lives have been meaningful and ready to face death with acceptance and dignity. Or they are in despair for their unaccomplished goals, failures, and ill-spent lives