Development of Age: Erikson

What is Erikson's Trust vs. Mistrust stage?

Birth–18 months; consistent, responsive care builds trust, while inconsistent care leads to mistrust.

What does trust develop from?

 Consistent caregivers who reliably meet the infant's physical and emotional needs.

What is Erikson's Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage?

18 months–3 years; toddlers develop independence through walking, talking, and self-care.

What happens when autonomy is encouraged?

The child develops independence and confidence rather than shame and self-doubt.

What is Erikson's Initiative vs. Guilt stage?

3–6 years; children initiate activities, plan play, and ask questions.

What can excessive criticism cause during Initiative vs. Guilt?

Guilt about asserting themselves and taking initiative.

What is Erikson's Industry vs. Inferiority stage?

6–12 years; children develop competence by mastering academic, social, and physical skills.

What can repeated feelings of failure lead to?

Feelings of inferiority when children compare themselves negatively with peers.

What is Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion stage?

12–18 years; adolescents explore roles and values to develop a clear sense of identity.

What does identity answer?

“Who am I?”

What is Erikson's Intimacy vs. Isolation stage?

20–40 years; young adults develop deep, committed relationships or experience isolation.

What is the positive outcome of Intimacy vs. Isolation?

The ability to form deep, committed relationships

What is Erikson's Generativity vs. Stagnation stage?

40–60 years; adults contribute to society through family, work, parenting, or mentoring.

What is generativity?

Contributing to others and future generations in meaningful ways.

What is Erikson's Ego Integrity vs. Despair stage?

60+ years; older adults reflect on their lives with satisfaction or regret.

What is ego integrity?

Feeling satisfied and accepting of one's life when looking back on it.

An infant has caregivers who consistently respond to their needs and provide comfort. According to Erikson, what is the child most likely developing?

Trust

A 2-year-old insists on feeding themselves, choosing their clothes, and doing things independently. Which psychosocial stage is this?

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

A 5-year-old frequently creates games, asks questions, and comes up with activities to play with friends. Which stage does this represent?

Initiative vs. Guilt

A 10-year-old works hard to learn math and sports skills and feels proud when they successfully master them. Which stage is most relevant?

Industry/Competence vs. Inferiority

A teenager experiments with different careers, values, styles, and social roles while trying to figure out who they are. Which stage is this?

Identity vs. Role Confusion

 A young adult develops a close, committed romantic relationship and feels comfortable forming a deep emotional connection with another person. Which stage does this represent?

Intimacy vs. Isolation

A 50-year-old finds meaning in mentoring younger employees, raising children, and contributing to their community. Which stage is this?

Generativity vs. Stagnation

An older adult looks back on their life and feels that, despite its difficulties, they lived a meaningful and fulfilling life. Which outcome does this represent?

Ego integrity