Piaget's vs Erickson's Stages of Development by Age

Infant (0–1 yr)

Erikson: Trust vs. Mistrust → Trust develops when needs (feeding, comfort, safety) are consistently met.

Piaget: Sensorimotor → Learns through senses and motor activity; object permanence emerges.

Toddler (1–3 yrs)

Erikson: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt → Independence in mobility, feeding, toileting; success builds autonomy, overcontrol leads to shame/doubt.

Piaget: Preoperational (early stage) → Egocentric, magical thinking, language expands.

Preschool (3–6 yrs)

Erikson: Initiative vs. Guilt → Initiates play, asks questions, explores; discouragement may cause guilt.

Piaget: Preoperational → Continues egocentrism and magical thinking; not yet logical.

School-age (6–12 yrs)

Erikson: Industry vs. Inferiority → Mastery of skills, teamwork, school success; failure leads to inferiority.

Piaget: Concrete Operational → Logical thinking about concrete objects; understands conservation, cause/effect, rules.

Adolescent (12–18 yrs)

Erikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion → Developing identity, independence, peer focus, future goals.

Piaget: Formal Operational → Abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking, future planning.

Young Adult (18–40 yrs)

Erikson: Intimacy vs. Isolation → Builds close relationships, commitment, family.

Piaget: Formal Operational (continues) → Abstract and critical thinking, long-term planning.

Middle Adult (40–65 yrs)

Erikson: Generativity vs. Stagnation → Contributing to society, parenting, productivity; stagnation if unfulfilled.

Piaget: Formal Operational (continues).

Older Adult (65+ yrs)

Erikson: Integrity vs. Despair → Reflects on life, accepts accomplishments and mortality, satisfaction vs. regret.

Piaget: Formal Operational (continues).