STAGES OF

HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT TASK
What Are the Eight Stages of
Human Development?

If human development is the study of how people change

throughout their lives, how and when does this development
happen? Many scientists and psychologists have studied
various aspects of human development, including ego
psychologist Erik Erikson. He examined the impact of social
experiences throughout an individual’s life and theorized that 
psychosocial development happens in eight sequential parts. 
Stages of Human Development
Stage 1: Infancy
Trust vs. Mistrust

In the first stage of human development, infants learn to

trust based on how well their caregivers meet their basic
needs and respond when they cry. If an infant cries out
to be fed, the parent can either meet this need by
feeding and comforting the infant or not meet this need
by ignoring the infant. When their needs are met, infants
learn that relying on others is safe; when their needs go
unmet, infants grow up to be less trusting.
Stage 2 : Toddlerhood
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

In addition to autonomy versus shame and doubt,

another way to think of the second stage is
independence versus dependence. Like in the first stage,
toddlers go through this stage responding to their
caregivers. If caregivers encourage them to be
independent and explore the world on their own,
toddlers will grow up with a sense of self-efficacy. If the
caregivers hover excessively or encourage dependence,
these toddlers grow up with less confidence in their
abilities.
Stage 3: Preschool Years
Initiative vs. Guilt

During the preschool years, children learn to assert

themselves and speak up when they need something.
Some children may state that they’re sad because a
friend stole their toy. If this assertiveness is greeted with
a positive reaction, they learn that taking initiative is
helpful behavior. However, if they’re made to feel guilty
or ashamed for their assertiveness, they may grow up to
be timid and less likely to take the lead.
Stage 4 : Early School Years: Industry vs.
Inferiority

When children begin school, they start to compare themselves with peers. If
children feel they’re accomplished in relation to peers, they develop strong self-
esteem. If, however, they notice that other children have met milestones that
they haven’t, they may struggle with self-esteem. For example, a first grader
may notice a consistently worse performance on spelling tests when compared
with peers. If this becomes a pattern, it can lead to feelings of inferiority.
Stage 5: Adolescence
Identity vs. Role Confusion

The adolescent stage is where the term “identity crisis”

originated, and for good reason. Adolescence is all about
developing a sense of self. Adolescents who can clearly
identify who they are grow up with stronger goals and
self-knowledge than teenagers who struggle to break
free of their parents’ or friends’ influences. Adolescents
who still deeply depend on their parents for social
interaction and guidance may experience more role
confusion than teenagers who pursue their own
interests.
Stage 5: Young Adulthood
Intimacy vs. Isolation

In young adulthood, which begins roughly at age 20,

people begin to solidify their lifelong bonds; many
people enter committed relationships or marriages,
while others form lifelong friendships. People who can
create and maintain these relationships reap the
emotional benefits, while those who struggle to maintain
relationships may suffer from isolation. A young adult
who develops strong friendships in college may feel
more intimacy than one who struggles to form and
maintain close friendships.
Stage 6: Middle Adulthood Generativity vs.
Stagnation

In middle adulthood, people tend to struggle with their

contributions to society. They may be busy raising
children or pursuing careers. Those who feel that they’re
contributing experience generativity, which is the sense
of leaving a legacy. On the other hand, those who don’t
feel that their work or lives matter may experience
feelings of stagnation. For example, a middle-aged adult
who’s raising a family and working in a career that
presumably helps people may feel more fulfilled than an
adult who’s working at a day job that feels meaningless.
Stage 7: Late Adulthood
Integrity vs. Despair

As adults reach the end of life, they look back on

their lives and reflect. Adults who feel fulfilled by
their lives, either through a successful family or a
meaningful career, reach ego integrity, in which
they can face aging and dying with peace. If older
adults don’t feel that they’ve lived a good life,
they risk falling into despair.