Erik Erikson's 8 stages

Trust vs. mistrust

Birth- 1-year old. If successful, children gain confidence and security in the world around them. If unsucessful, children become fearful about the inconsistent world, which may result in anxiety and heightened insecurities and mistrust with the world around them.

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

Ages 1-3; children begin to asset their independence, if supported, children become confident and secure in their ability to survive in the world. If not supported (e.g., controlled and criticized), children begin to feel inadequate in their ability to survive and may become overly dependent on others, while lacking self-esteem.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Ages 3-6; If supported in asserting themselves, children develop a sense to securly lead others and make decisions. If not supported through criticism or control, children feel like nuisances to others and become followers.

Industry vs. Inferiority

From age 6-puberty; children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. If supported, children begin to feel conflident in their ability to achive goals. If their initiative is not supported and rather restricted, children begin to doubt themselves and fail to reach their potential.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

During adolescence, children begin to look at their future, explore possibilities, and begin to form their own identities based upon their exploritory outcomes. However, their sense of who they are can be hindered, which can cause questions such as “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up”, which can impact how they feel about themselves and their role in the world.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

During young adulthood, indivudals begin to share themselves with others and explore relationships leading towards longer commitments with others outside of their family. Sucess can lead to comfortable relationships, safety and care. Unsucessful outcomes can lead to fears towards commitment, leading to loneliness and sometimes depression.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

During middle adulthood, individuals give back to society through raising children, being prodictive in their careers and becoming involved in their community. By failing to achive these things, individuals feel unproductive.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

During older adulthood, individuals tend to slow down and explore life as retired and reflect on their lifes accomplishments and if sucessful, feel satisfied with the progression of their lives. If unsucessful, they begin to feel as if their life was unproductive and failing to accomplish their goals, which leads to depression and hopelessness.