Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of Development and Adolescent Challenges

Vocabulary based on Erik Erikson's developmental theories, the challenges faced during adolescence, and time management strategies.

Erik Erikson ($1902$–$1994$)

A German-American developmental psychologist who coined the term Lifespan Development and was influenced by Sigmund and Anna Freud.

Conflict

A turning point during which an individual struggles to attain some psychological quality.

Personality

The relatively stable and distinctive styles of thought, behavior, and emotional responses characterizing a person’s adaptations to surrounding situations.

Trust vs. Mistrust (Stage $1$)

Occurring from birth to $18$ months, where a child develops the strength of Hopes based on the reliability of the Mother and feeding experiences.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (Stage $2$)

Occurring from $18$ months to $3$ years, where a child develops the strength of Will through body control and toilet training.

Initiative vs. Guilt (Stage $3$)

Occurring from $3$ to $5$ years, focused on independence and imagination where the child develops the strength of Purpose.

Industry vs. Inferiority (Stage $4$)

Occurring from $6$ to $12$ years, where children cope with academic demands in school to develop the strength of Competence.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (Stage $5$)

Occurring from $12$ to $20$ years, where adolescents define themselves through peer relationships to develop the strength of Fidelity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation (Stage $6$)

Occurring from $20$ to $25$ years, focused on forming love relationships and the ability to care about others to develop the strength of Love.

Generativity vs. Stagnation (Stage $7$)

Occurring from $25$ to $65$ years, where the primary task is contributing to society and parenting to develop the strength of Care.

Integrity vs. Despair (Stage $8$)

Occurring from $65$ to death, where individuals reflect on and judge their lives to develop the strength of Wisdom.

Ego Diffusion

Another term for role confusion, characterized by the failure to establish an individual identity separate from the family.

Substance Abuse

A significant adolescent challenge often driven by peer pressure, risk-taking behavior, family influence, or low self-esteem.

Psychological Problems Prevalence

Research reveals around $50\%$ of mental health disorders in adults begin at age $14$, and $\frac{1}{3}$ of adolescent deaths are suicides triggered by depression.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

The development of these physical traits in teenagers gives rise to new feelings and pushes experimentation with their bodies.

Significant Other (Social Psychology)

A person who guides and care-takes during primary socialization, such as a parent or teacher, aiding development through rewards and discipline.

Significant Other (Sociology)

Any person who has a strong influence on an individual's self-concept.

Time Management

The process of organizing and planning how to divide time between activities to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.

Eisenhower Matrix

A strategy for productivity that categorizes tasks as Urgent (needs immediate attention) versus Important (contributes to long-term goals).