Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

Infant (Birth to 1-year-old)

Trust vs. Mistrust — Infants learn a basic sense of trust dependent upon how their needs are met.

Toddler (1 to 3 years old)

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt — Toddlers begin to understand that they can control their own actions.

Preschool Age (3 to 5 years old)

Initiative vs. Guilt — Preschool children learn to take responsibility for their own behavior as they develop self-control.

Elementary School Age (5 to 12 years old)

Industry vs. Inferiority — The school-aged child must learn new skills in both the academic world and the social world. They compare themselves to others to measure their success or failure.

Adolescence (13 to early 20s)

Identity vs. Role Confusion — Adolescents must decide who they are, what they believe, and what they want to be as an adult.

Early Adulthood (20s and 30s)

Intimacy vs. Isolation — Young adults face the task of finding a person with whom they can share their identity in an ongoing, close, personal relationship.

Middle Adulthood (40s and 50s)

Generativity vs. Stagnation — The focus of this task is to find a way to be a creative, productive person who is nurturing the next generation.

Late Adulthood (60s and beyond)

Ego Integrity vs. Despair — The task in this stage involves coming to terms with the end of life, reaching a sense of wholeness and acceptance of life as it has been