Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing the stages, age ranges, conflicts, and virtues defined in Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development theory.

Psychosocial development theory

A theory by Erik Erikson describing $8$ stages of human growth from infancy to old age, each presenting a unique psychological conflict for individuals to resolve.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $1$ (ages $0-1$ year) where infants learn to trust caregivers to meet basic needs, resulting in the virtue of Hope.

Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $2$ (ages $1-3$ years) where toddlers develop a sense of personal control and independence, resulting in the virtue of Will.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $3$ (ages $3-6$ years) where children assert control by directing play and social interactions, resulting in the virtue of Purpose.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $4$ (ages $6-12$ years) where children develop a sense of pride in accomplishments and abilities, resulting in the virtue of Competence.

Identity vs. Role confusion

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $5$ (ages $12-18$ years) where teens explore personal identity and sense of self, resulting in the virtue of Fidelity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $6$ (ages $18-40$ years) where young adults form intimate, loving relationships with others, resulting in the virtue of Love.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $7$ (ages $40-65$ years) where adults create or nurture things that outlast them to contribute to society, resulting in the virtue of Care.

Ego integrity vs. Despair

The psychosocial conflict for Stage $8$ (ages $65+$ years) where seniors reflect on life and feel either fulfillment or regret, resulting in the virtue of Wisdom.

Fidelity

The basic virtue developed during Stage $5$ ($12-18$ years) when the conflict of Identity vs. Role confusion is resolved.

Competence

The basic virtue developed during Stage $4$ ($6-12$ years) through the resolution of Industry vs. Inferiority.

Wisdom

The basic virtue developed during Stage $8$ ($65+$ years) through the resolution of Ego integrity vs. Despair.