Erik Erikson Psychosocial Stages

Stage 1 name

Trust v. Mistrust

trust v. mistrust age range

infancy (0-1)

trust v. mistrust crisis

are basic needs consistently met by caregiver (feeding, comfort, affection)

trust v. mistrust virtue

hope

trust v. mistrust negative outcome

infant can grow into a anxious child and sees the world as unreliable

Stage 2 name

Autonomy v. shame/doubtA

Autonomy v. shame/doubt age range

early childhood (1-3)

autonomy v. shame and doubt crisis

caregivers encourage toddlers to learn self care (potty training, dressing) to encourage a sense of autonomy/confidence to handle new challenges

autonomy v. shame/doubt virtue

will (will to act independently)

autonomy v. shame/doubt potential negative outcome

excessive shame/doubt can result in overdependence and low self-esteem

Stage 3 name

Initiative v. Guilt

Initiative v. Guilt age range

Play age (3-6)

initiative v. guilt crisis

children play, explore, ask why in new games, roles and activities, which fosters a willingness to try new things if they are encouraged

initiative v. guilt virtue gained

purpose

initiative v. guilt possible negative outcome

criticism/discouragement can cause excessive guilt which can inhibit creativity and a child’s desire to asser themself

Stage 4 name

Industry v. Inferiority

Industry v. inferiority stage age

school age (~6-12)

industry v. inferiority virtue gained

competence

industry v. inferiority crisis

children need to be encouraged by parents and teachers to develop skills and to feel competency and belief in their skills

industry v. inferiority possible negative outcome

lasting sense of inferiority can undermine confidence in academic or social settings

Stage 5 name

Identity v. role confusion

identity v. role confusion stage age

Adolescence (~12-18)

identity v. role confusion virtue gained

fidelity

identity v. role confusion crisis

adolescents who are supported in their exploration and ability to try different roles tend to have a strong, independent sense of self

identity v. role confusion possible negative outcome

weak sense of identity can lead to insecurity, confusion, or rebellion

3 forms of identity crisis

severe, prolonged, and aggravated

severe identity crisis

identity confusion overwhelms personal identity

prolonged identity crisis

realignment of childhood identifications over an extended time

aggravated identity crisis

repeated unsuccessful attempts at resolution

Stage 6 name

intimacy v. isolation

intimacy v. isolation age range

early adulthood (~18-30)

intimacy v. isolation (6) virtue gained

love

intimacy v. isolation (6) crisis

individuals who navigate this stage can form close, reciprocal relationships and are comfortable with mutual dependency

intimacy v. isolation possible negative outcome

chronic isolation can lead to alienation and difficulty maintaining relationships

isolation

inability to form meaningful, intimate relationships with others, leading to feelings of loneliness, alienation, and exclusion

stage 7 name

generativity v. stagnation

generativity v. stagnation stage age

middle age (~40-65)

generativity v. stagnation virtue gained

care (concern for future generations)

generativity v. stagnation crisis

individuals who feel that they make valuable contributions which involves a concern for others and a desire to help future generations by adding value to society

generativity v. stagnation possible negative outcome

stagnation can trigger self-absorption, lack of personal growth, or midlife crisis

2 important aspects of generativity v. stagnation stage

work and parenthood

stage 8 name

ego integrity v. despair

ego integrity v. despair age range

old age

ego integrity v. despair virtue gained

wisdom

ego integrity v. despair possible negative outcome

persistent despair and regret can lead to dpression or heplessness

ego integrity v .despair crisis

individuals who feel that they led a fulfilling, meaningful life experience ego integrity by accepting their life as it was, finding purpose in their experience, and feeling a sense of wisdom and fulfillment