Erikson - Stages of Psychosocial Development

Trust Vs. Mistrust

Infant - 18 months old

Infants learn basic trust if the world is a secure place where their basic needs are met.

Autonomy Vs. Shame

18 months to 3 Years Old

Children develop independence and self-control by asserting their will and making choices.

Initiative Vs. Guilt

3 - 6 Years Old

Young children eagerly take on new skills and activities and feel guilty when they do not succeed at them.

Industry Vs. Inferiority

6 - 12 Years Old

Competence; cultural skills and norms, school skills and tool use (failure of mastering skills leads to inferiority)

Identity Vs. Role Confusion

12 - 18 Years Old

Individuals question "Who am I?" and try out different roles and beliefs to develop a coherent sense of self.

Intimacy Vs. Isolation

19 - 40 Years Old

Adults see someone with whom to share their lives in an enduring and self-sacrificing commitment. Without such commitment, they risk profound aloneness and isolation.

Generativity Vs. Stagnation

40 - 65 Years Old

A major developmental task of later adulthood is finding meaning in one's work, which produces a sense of generativity. Failure leads to a sense of stagnation.

Ego Integrity Vs Despair

65 - End of life

To develop a sense of wholeness that comes from having lived a full life and the ability to let go of regrets, the completion of the ego.