Psychosocial

Development Theory
Erik Erikson
1. Trust vs. Mistrust
Infancy (0-18 months)
Basic virtue: Hope
According to Erikson, the trust versus mistrust stage is the most important
period in a person’s life because it shapes our view of the world, as well as
our personalities.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Early Childhood (18 months-3 years old)
Basic virtue: Will

Autonomy -self-directing freedom and especially moral independence.

Shame -a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or
impropriety.
Doubt -lack of confidence

According to Erikson, children at this stage are focused on developing a greater

sense of self-control.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt
Play Age (3-5 years old)
Basic virtue: Purpose

Children explore their interpersonal skills through initiating activities.

They begin to plan activities, make up games, and initiate activities with
others. If given this opportunity, children develop a sense of initiative and
feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority
School Age (5-12 years old)
Basic virtue: Competence

Teachers begin to take an important role in the child’s life as they teach the child specific
skills, children become capable of performing increasingly complex tasks.
Approval/praise =industrious or hardworking
Activity
Negative feedback = inferior or weak
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Adolescence (12-18 years old)
Basic Virtue: Fidelity

• Experimenting, trying things to find themselves.

(Who am I?)

• Start thinking about their role in the society.

(Who I want to be?)

Friends, social groups, schoolmates, societal trends,

and even popular culture all play a role in shaping
and forming an identity.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Young Adult (18-40 years old)
Basic virtue: Love

During this period, the major conflict centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with
other people, it can also be relationships with friends and family.

Success at this stage leads to fulfilling relationships.

Failure can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation.
 7. Generativity vs. Stagnation
Adulthood (40-65 years old)
Basic virtue : Care

Generativity refers to "making your mark" on the world by caring for others as well as
creating and accomplishing things that make the world a better place.
• Building a company
• Teaching
• Taking care of family
Stagnation refers to the failure
to find a way to contribute.
Integrity vs. Despair
Maturity (65+)
Basic virtue: Wisdom

During the integrity versus despair stage, people reflect back on the life they have lived
and come away with either a sense of fulfillment from a life well lived or a sense of regret
and despair over a life misspent.