Erik Erikson's Stages of Development

Infancy (Age)

0-1 years

Infancy (Basic conflict)

trust vs mistrust

infancy (description)

trust (or mistrust) that basic needs such as nourishment and affection will be met

early childhood (age)

1-3 years

early childhood (basic conflict)

autonomy vs shame/doubt

early childhood (description)

develop a sense of independence in many tasks

play age (age)

3-6 years

play age (basic conflict)

initiative vs guilt

play age (description)

take initiative in many activities - may develop guilt when unsuccessful or boundaries overstepped

school age (age)

7-11 years

school age (basic conflict)

industry vs inferiority

school age (description)

develop self-confidence in abilities when competent or sense of inferiority when not

adolescence (age)

12-18 years

adolescence (basic conflict)

identity vs confusion

adolescence (description)

experiment with and develop identity and roles

early adulthood (age)

19-29 years

early adulthood (basic conflict)

intimacy vs isolation

early adulthood (description)

establish intimacy and relationships with others

middle age (age)

30-64 years

middle age (basic conflict)

generativity vs stagnation

middle age (description)

contribute to society and be part of a family

old age (age)

65 onward

old age (basic conflict)

integrity vs despair

old age (description)

assess and make sense of life and meaning of contributions