Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development

Generativity vs stagnation

DEF: Generativity is guiding the next generation; stagnation is feeling unproductive.

EX: Adult generatively mentors a young worker.

(Middle Adulthood, 40 to 65 years)

Ego integrity vs Despair

DEF: Integrity is accepting life with few regrets. Despair is looking back with regret.

EX: An Old man feels despair from missed opportunities in the past.

(Maturity, 65+ years)

Initiative vs Guilt

DEF: Initiative is gained by starting activities, and guilt is achieved by being criticized for ideas

EX: A child initiates building a giant fort.

(Preschool, 3 to 5 years)

Trust vs Mistrust

DEF: Trust is earned if needs are met. Mistrust, if neglected.

EX: Baby will trust parent will feed them.

(Infancy, birth to 18 months)

Autonomy VS shame/Guilt

DEF: Autonomy is gained by encouraging independence. Shame by criticizing efforts

EX: A child autonomously zips their own coat

(Toddlerhood, 18 months to 3 years)

Industry vs Inferiority

DEF: Industry is achieved by mastering skills inferiority by repeated failure

EX:Student feels indusrious after earning an A.

(School Age, 6 to 11 years)

Intimacy vs isolation

DEF: Intimacy is forming deep bonds, but isolation is being unwilling to commit.

EX: A Person committing to a serious loving relationship.

(Young Adulthood, 19 to 40 years)

Identity vs Role Confusion

DEF: Identity is found by exploring roles. Confusion is feeling unsure of oneself.

EX: Teen finds identity through new hobbies .

(Adolescence, 12 to 18 years)