Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards detailing Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development, including the age ranges, definitions of key terms, and the associated virtues for each stage.

Erik Erikson

German-American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst ($1902$-$-1994$) best known for his theory of psychosocial development and for coining the term "identity crisis".

Stages of psychosocial development

A theory outlining eight sequential phases of human personality and ego growth from infancy to late adulthood, each characterized by a specific social conflict.

Virtues

Healthy traits developed when a person successfully navigates the specific social conflict at each stage of psychosocial development.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage ($0$-$-1$ year) where infants depend on caregivers; success builds security, while inconsistent care leads to suspicion.

Trust

The confident reliance on the character, ability, or truth of someone or something.

Mistrust

To regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in.

Hope

The virtue developed during the Trust vs. Mistrust stage ($0$-$-1$ year).

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second stage ($1$-$-3$ years) where toddlers begin to explore independence; support builds confidence, while overcontrol leads to doubt.

Autonomy

Having the freedom and independence to make your own choices and govern yourself.

Shame and Doubt

Feelings formed during the second stage ($1$-$-3$ years), which is also the period in which toilet learning takes place.

Will

The virtue developed during the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage ($1$-$-3$ years).

Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage ($3$-$-6$ years) where children plan activities and engage in imaginative play; encouragement builds a sense of purpose.

Initiative

Taking the first step or doing something on your own without being told.

Guilt

A complex emotion or state of being that refers to the fact of having committed a wrongdoing.

Purpose

The virtue developed during the Initiative vs. Guilt stage ($3$-$-6$ years).

Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth stage ($6$-$-12$ years) focused on learning new skills and achieving tasks during the school years.

Industry

The quality of being habitually active or working steadily.

Inferiority

The state or quality of being lower in rank, status, quality, or value compared to something or someone else.

Competence

The virtue developed during the Industry vs. Inferiority stage ($6$-$-12$ years).

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth stage ($12$-$-18$ years) where adolescents explore their beliefs, values, and future goals.

Identity

Simply the answer to the question, "Who are you?"

Role Confusion

A psychological state characterized by uncertainty about one's identity, values, and place in the world.

Fidelity

The virtue developed during the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage ($12$-$-18$ years).

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The stage in Young Adulthood where individuals seek to form close, meaningful, and emotionally connected relationships.

Intimacy

The feeling of deep closeness, trust, and emotional connection with another person.

Isolation

The state of being separated or disconnected from others.

Love

The virtue developed during the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage (Young Adulthood).

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The stage in Middle Adulthood where adults focus on contributing to society, raising families, and helping others.

Generativity

The desire and capacity to guide, nurture, and contribute positively to younger or future generations.

Stagnation

The state of being still, or not moving; results in feeling unproductive or having a lack of purpose.

Care

The virtue developed during the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage (Middle Adulthood).

Integrity vs. Despair

The stage in Late Adulthood where individuals reflect on their life; fulfillment brings satisfaction, while regret leads to loss of hope.

Integrity

The quality of being honest and having a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.

Despair

The complete loss or absence of hope.

Wisdom

The virtue developed during the Integrity vs. Despair stage (Late Adulthood).