ERIK ERIKSON'S

STAGES OF
PSYCHOSOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
FEMALY JOY B. BORRES

ERIK ERIKSON
Stages of Psychosocial
Development
Erikson believed that personality developed in a series of
stages. Unlike Freud's theory of psychosexual stages,
however, Erikson's theory described the impact of social
experience across the whole lifespan. Erikson was
interested in how social interaction and relationships
played a role in the development and growth of human
beings.
 Conflict During
Each Stage
Each stage in Erikson's theory builds on the
preceding stages and paves the way for
following periods of development. In each
stage, Erikson believed people experience a
If people successfully deal with the conflict, they conflict that serves as a turning point in
emerge from the stage with psychological strengths development.
that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. If
they fail to deal effectively with these conflicts, they
may not develop the essential skills needed for a
strong sense of self.
 Mastery
Leads to Ego
Strength
Erikson also believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviors and actions. Each
stage in Erikson's theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of life.

If the stage is handled well, the person will feel a sense of mastery, which is sometimes
referred to as ego strength or ego identity. If the stage is managed poorly, the person
will emerge with a sense of inadequacy in that aspect of development.
Stages: 1st
Trust vs. Mistrust
Approximate Age: 0-18 Months
Conflicts: Trust vs Mistrust
Important Events: Feeding
Basic Virtue: Hope
Desired Outcome: A sense of trust and security
Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief
that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.
 Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
Stages: 2nd
Approximate Age: 1.5-3 Years
Conflicts: Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
Important Events: Toilet Training
Basic Virtue: Will
Desired Outcome: Feelings of independence
lead to belief in yourself and your abilities
Children who struggle and who are shamed for their accidents may be left without a
sense of personal control; failure results in feelings of shame and doubt.
 Initiative vs. Guilt
Stages: 3rd
Approximate Age: 3-5 Years
Conflicts: Initiative vs Guilt
Important Events: Exploration
Basic Virtue: Purpose
Desired Outcome: Self-confidence; the
ability to take initiative and make decisions
Children who who fail to acquire these skills are left with a sense of guilt, self-
doubt, and lack of initiative.
 Industry vs Inferiority
Stages: 4th
Approximate Age: 5-12 Years
Conflicts: Industry vs Inferiority
Important Events: School
Basic Virtue: Competency
Desired Outcome: Self-confidence; Feelings of pride and accomplishment
Children who who fail to acquire these skills results in feelings of inferiority. Those
who receive little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers will doubt
their abilities to be successful.
THANK
YOU
See you next time!