ERIKSON'S STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

8 Psychosocial Stages

- Erik Erikson developed one of the most popular and influential theories of
development. While his theory was impacted by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud's
work, Erikson's theory centered on psychosocial development rather
than psychosexual development.

- 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 conflict that serves as a turning point in development. 2

In Erikson's view, these conflicts are centered on either developing a

psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these times,
the potential for personal growth is high but so is the potential for failure.

If people successfully deal with the conflict, they emerge from the stage with
psychological strengths that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. 3 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 quality. If the stage is
managed poorly, the person will emerge with a sense of inadequacy in that
aspect of development.
The stages that make up his theory are as follows:1

 Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy from birth to 18 months)

 Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddler years from 18
months to three years)
 Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool years from three to five)
 Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (Middle school years from six to 11)
 Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion (Teen years from 12 to 18)
 Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young adult years from 18 to 40)
 Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle age from 40 to 65)
 Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (Older adulthood from 65 to death)
 Psychosocial Stages: A Summary Chart

Age Conflict Important Events Outcome

Infancy (birth to 18 months) Trust vs. Mistrust Feeding Hope
Early Childhood (2 to 3 years) Autonomy vs. Shame Toilet Training Will
and Doubt
Preschool (3 to 5 years) Initiative vs. Guilt Exploration Purpose
School Age (6 to 11 years) Industry vs. Inferiority School Confidence
Adolescence (12 to 18 years) Identity vs. Role Social Relationships Fidelity
Confusion
Young Adulthood (19 to 40 Intimacy vs. Isolation Relationships Love
years)
Middle Adulthood (40 to 65 Generativity vs. Work and Parenthood Care
years) Stagnation
Maturity (65 to death) Ego Integrity vs. DespairReflection on Life Wisdom