Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development

Vocabulary flashcards covering Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development, including age ranges, virtues, and key conflicts.

Erik Erikson

A psychologist (1902-1994) who proposed a lifespan model of development emphasizing how social relationships shape our sense of self through eight stages of psychosocial crises.

Psychosocial crisis

A central conflict identified by Erikson for each stage of development that must be resolved for healthy personality growth.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Stage 1 (0-1 year) during Infancy where children trust or mistrust that basic needs, such as nourishment and affection, will be met; the virtue is HOPE.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Stage 2 (1-3 years, Early Childhood) where children express a greater need for independence and control over themselves and their world; the virtue is WILL.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Stage 3 (3-6 years, Play Age) where children assert power and control through directing play and social interactions; the virtue is PURPOSE.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Stage 4 (7-11 years, School Age) where children need support and encouragement to develop self-confidence and skills; the virtue is COMPETENCE.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

A stage (12-18 years, Adolescence) where individuals explore independence, experiment with roles, and develop a sense of self; the virtue is FIDELITY.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Stage 6 (19-29 years, Early Adulthood) where individuals focus on establishing romantic and platonic relationships; the virtue is LOVE.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Stage 7 (30-64 years, Middle Age) where individuals focus on being productive and caring for others to make a mark on the world; the virtue is CARE.

Integrity vs. Despair

Stage 8 (65 onward, Old Age) where individuals reflect on their past experiences and make sense of their life's contributions; the virtue is WISDOM.

HOPE

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Trust vs. Mistrust stage.

WILL

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage.

PURPOSE

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Initiative vs. Guilt stage.

COMPETENCE

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Industry vs. Inferiority stage.

FIDELITY

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage.

LOVE

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage.

CARE

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage.

WISDOM

The virtue associated with successfully resolving the Integrity vs. Despair stage.