Erik Erikson Development Stages

1. Trust vs. Mistrust

1. Infancy to 1 years old

   1. Key conflict: Infant learns whether they can trust the world around them, especially caregivers

   2. Positive Outcome: Trust in caregivers and their environment, leading to sense of safety and security

   3. Negative Outcome: Mistrust or suspicion, leading to insecurity and difficulty trusting others in the future

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

1. Early childhood (1-3 years old)

   1. Key conflict: Children develop a sense of independence by exploring and making choices (ex: toilet training, feeding themselves)

   2. Positive outcome: Autonomy- a sense of self-control and confidence in one’s ability

   3. Negative Outcome: Shame and doubt- feeling overly dependent or incapable, leading to feelings of inadequacy

3. Initiative vs. Guilt

1. Ages 3-6

   1. Key conflict: Children begin asserting control over their environment and initiating activities, like playing and decision making

   2. Positive Outcome: Initiative - confidence in leading and making decisions

   3. Negative Outcome: Guilt- feeling guilty about their actions or beliefs, often because they were discouraged from taking charge.

4. Industry vs. inferiority

1. Ages 6-12

   1. Key conflict: Children develop skills and competence through school, social interactions, and extracurricular activities. 

   2. Positive outcome: Industry- a sense of accomplishment and pride in completely tasks and meeting goals

   3. Negative Outcome: Inferiority- feeling incompetent or inadequate compared to peers, causing low self-esteem. 

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion

1. Adolescence (12-18 years)

   1. Key conflict: Adolescents explore their personal identity, values, and life direction

   2. Positive outcome: identity- a clear and stable sense of self and direction in life

   3. Negative outcome: role confusion- confusion about who they are and what they want from life, potentially leading to uncertainty and instability

6. Intimacy and Isolation
   

1. 18-40 years

   1. key conflict: young adults form intimate relationships with others and seek connection

   2. positive outcome: intimacy– the ability to form deep, meaningful relationships

   3. negative outcome: isolation- feeling unproductive or disconnected, leading to isolation and loneliness

7. Generativity vs. stagnation

1. 40-65 years old

   1. Key conflict: Adults strive to contribute to society and future generations, often through work, family, and community involvement

   2. Positive outcome: generativity- a sense of purpose and contribution, helping to guide the next generation

   3. Negative outcome: stagnation– feeling unproductive or disconnected, leading to self-absorption or dissatisfaction

8. Integrity vs. Despair

1. Late adulthood (65+)

   1. Key conflicts: Older adults reflect on their lives and evaluate their experiences

   2. Positive outcome: Integrity- a sense of fulfillment and acceptance in ones life, feeling that it was meaningful and well-lived

   3. Negative outcome: Despair- regret over missed opportunities or unresolved conflicts, leading to feelings of bitterness and hopelessness.