ERICKSON’S PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY Senior Experience

INFANCY- 0-1/2 YEARS n Learns to trust those around him/her or they suffer feelings of mistrust n Learns to feel secure that when they cry, his/her needs will be met. (TRUST) (TRUST) n Learns to feel insecure that when he/she cries, his/her needs are not met. (MISTRUST) (MISTRUST)

EARLY CHILDHOOD- 1 1/2-3 YEARS n Child tries to become autonomous and gain control over their body. n They are proud of him/herself as he/she masters potty training (Autonomy) (Autonomy) n They feel shame and doubt when he/she experiences a difficult task. (Shame/Doubt) (Shame/Doubt)

PLAY AGE -3-5 YEARS n This is the age of being curious and asking many questions. n They will be praised and encouraged for their efforts (Initiative) (Initiative) n They will feel guilty and told to be quiet and not ask questions (Guilt) (Guilt)

SCHOOL AGE-5-12 YEARS n Learning new knowledge and skills. n They will feel industrious as they learn to read, write and do math. (Industry) (Industry) n They will feel inferior when they belong in the low reading group and receives poor grades. (Inferiority) (Inferiority)

ADOLESCENCE YEARS n One of the most important stages for success in life. n The adolescent either begins to determine who they are and what they want out of life (Identity and Reputation) (Identity and Reputation) n They grapple with an identity crisis. (Identity Confusion) (Identity Confusion)

YOUNG ADULT n Once the young person knows who they are, they are ready to share themselves with another person. n They are ready for an intimate relationship and start a family (Intimacy and Solidarity) (Intimacy and Solidarity) n They may feel isolated and not connected to society. (Isolation) (Isolation)

Unfortunately, some young people want to move into the intimacy stage before they have mastered the identity crisis.

ADULTHOOD-(25-65) n In the prime of adult years, people will be productive and contribute to society. (Generativity) (Generativity) n If they aren’t productive, they will become self-absorbed and negative (Self-absorption) (Self-absorption)

MATURITY (65+ years) n As a person nears the end of life they will feel a sense of accomplishment that their life made a difference. (Integrity) (Integrity) n They may feel despair and regret for all the things they did or did not do. (Despair) (Despair)