Erik Erikson's 8 stages of psychological Development

What is the first stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth–1 year) – Developing trust when caregivers provide reliability and care; leads to Hope.

What question is asked in the Trust vs. Mistrust stage?

Can I trust the world?”

What virtue is developed in the Trust vs. Mistrust stage?

Hope

What is the second stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1–3 years) – Developing independence and control; leads to Will.

What question is asked in the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage?

“Can I do things myself?”

What virtue is developed in the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage?

Will.

What is the third stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Initiative vs. Guilt (3–6 years) – Asserting control through play and interaction; leads to Purpose.

What question is asked in the Initiative vs. Guilt stage?

“Is it okay for me to take action?”

What virtue is developed in the Initiative vs. Guilt stage?

Purpose.

What is the fourth stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Industry vs. Inferiority (6–12 years) – Managing new social and academic demands; leads to Competence.

What question is asked in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage?

“Can I make it in the world of people and things?”

What virtue is developed in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage?

Competence.

What is the fifth stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Identity vs. Role Confusion (12–18 years) – Developing a personal sense of identity; leads to Fidelity.

What question is asked in the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage?

“Who am I and where am I going?”

What virtue is developed in the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage?

Fidelity.

What is the sixth stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Intimacy vs. Isolation (18–40 years) – Forming close relationships; leads to Love.

What question is asked in the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage?

“Can I love and be loved?”

What virtue is developed in the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage?

Love.

What is the seventh stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Generativity vs. Stagnation (40–65 years) – Contributing to society and helping the next generation; leads to Care.

What question is asked in the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage?

Can I make my life count?”

What virtue is developed in the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage?

Care.

What is the eighth stage of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development?

Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years) – Reflecting on life with satisfaction or regret; leads to Wisdom.

What question is asked in the Integrity vs. Despair stage?

“Was my life meaningful?”

What virtue is developed in the Integrity vs. Despair stage?

Wisdom.