Erikson’s Psychosocial Development & Key Life-Skills Vocabulary

Vocabulary cards covering Erikson’s eight psychosocial stages, key terms, virtues, and associated maladaptations/malignancies.

Erik Erikson

Ego psychologist who proposed the eight-stage theory of psychosocial development.

Psychosocial Development Theory

Erikson’s model describing how personality evolves through eight life stages, each with a central conflict.

Systonic Trait (Positive Pole)

The healthy quality gained when a stage’s conflict is successfully resolved.

Dystonic Trait (Negative Pole)

The undesirable quality that emerges when a stage’s conflict is not adequately resolved.

Maladaptation

Outcome of too much of the positive pole, leading to unrealistic or excessive behavior.

Malignancy

Outcome of too much of the negative pole, leading to withdrawal, fear, or severe dysfunction.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Stage 1 (birth-18 mo.): infants decide whether the world is reliable or unsafe.

Trust

Belief that caregivers and the world are dependable; virtue produced is Hope.

Mistrust

Belief that the world is unpredictable and unsafe; excess leads to Withdrawal.

Sensory Maladaptation

Overly trusting, gullible attitude resulting from too much trust.

Withdrawal

Malignancy in Stage 1; deep fear and isolation from excessive mistrust.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Stage 2 (18 mo.–3 yrs): toddlers strive for self-control and independence.

Autonomy

Sense of personal control and independence; yields the virtue Will.

Shame & Doubt

Feelings of inadequacy when efforts are over-controlled or criticized.

Impulsivity

Maladaptation in Stage 2; reckless independence from too much autonomy.

Compulsion

Malignancy in Stage 2; obsessive self-control and fear of failure.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Stage 3 (3–5 yrs): children assert power through play and exploration.

Initiative

Ability to plan and take charge; produces the virtue Purpose.

Guilt

Feeling that self-directed activity is wrong; may inhibit action.

Ruthlessness

Maladaptation in Stage 3; selfish ambition with no regard for others.

Inhibition

Malignancy in Stage 3; extreme guilt causing fear of trying new things.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Stage 4 (6–11 yrs): children compare abilities and seek competence.

Industry

Feeling capable of mastering skills; results in the virtue Competence.

Inferiority

Sense of inadequacy when efforts seem to fall short.

Narrow Virtuosity

Maladaptation in Stage 4; obsessive overachievement in one area.

Inertia

Malignancy in Stage 4; lack of motivation and feeling useless.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Stage 5 (12–18 yrs): adolescents explore beliefs to form a coherent self.

Identity

Integrated sense of self across time; leads to the virtue Fidelity.

Role Confusion

Uncertainty about self and place in society.

Fanaticism

Maladaptation in Stage 5; rigid, intolerant identity.

Repudiation

Malignancy in Stage 5; rejecting identity and engaging in rebellion.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Stage 6 (19–40 yrs): young adults seek deep relationships.

Intimacy

Capacity for close, honest, loving bonds; virtue gained is Love.

Isolation

Feeling lonely and unable to form close connections.

Promiscuity

Maladaptation in Stage 6; superficial, rapid bonding without depth.

Exclusivity

Malignancy in Stage 6; emotional walls and fear of closeness.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Stage 7 (40–65 yrs): focus on contributing to society and the next generation.

Generativity

Productive concern for others and society; yields the virtue Care.

Stagnation

Self-absorption and lack of growth or contribution.

Overextension

Maladaptation in Stage 7; doing too much, risking burnout.

Rejectivity

Malignancy in Stage 7; disconnection and self-absorption.

Integrity vs. Despair

Stage 8 (65 yrs–death): reflection on life’s meaning and accomplishments.

Integrity

Sense of wholeness and acceptance of life; produces the virtue Wisdom.

Despair

Bitterness or regret over a perceived wasted life.

Presumption

Maladaptation in Stage 8; acting wise without real reflection.

Disdain

Malignancy in Stage 8; contempt and hopelessness about life.

Hope (Virtue)

Confidence that desires can be attained, arising from balanced trust.

Will (Virtue)

Belief in one’s ability to act with intention, stemming from autonomy.

Purpose (Virtue)

Courage to pursue goals, gained through balanced initiative.

Competence (Virtue)

Confidence in one’s abilities, developed in Stage 4 success.

Fidelity (Virtue)

Ability to live by society’s standards while maintaining identity.

Love (Virtue)

Mutual devotion and intimacy achieved in young adulthood.

Care (Virtue)

Broad concern for others and society, hallmark of generativity.

Wisdom (Virtue)

Informed, detached concern with life itself, produced by integrity.

Life Skills

Abilities such as coping with emotions, stress, communication, and critical thinking that support psychosocial development.