Erikson’s (1959) theory of psychosocial development has eight distinct stages, taking in five stages up to the age of 18 years and three further stages beyond, well into adulthood. Erikson suggests that there is still plenty of room for continued growth and development throughout one’s life. Erikson puts a great deal of emphasis on the adolescent period, feeling it was a crucial stage for developing a person’s identity.
According to the theory, successful completion of each stage results in a healthy personality and the acquisition of basic virtues. Basic virtues are characteristic strengths which the ego can use to resolve subsequent crises.
Failure to successfully complete a stage can result in a reduced ability to complete further stages and therefore a more unhealthy personality and sense of self. These stages, however, can be resolved successfully at a later time.
1. Trust vs. MistrustThis stage begins at birth and lasts through one year of age.
The infant develops a sense of trust when interactions provide reliability, care, and affection.
A lack of this will lead to mistrust.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months to approximately age two to three years.
The infant develops a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence.
Erikson states it is critical that parents allow their children to explore the limits of their abilities within an encouraging environment which is tolerant of failure.
Success leads to feelings of autonomy, failure results in feelings of shame and doubt.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt
This stage occurs during the preschool years, between the ages of three and five.
The child begins to assert control and power over their environment by planning activities, accomplishing tasks and facing challenges. Success at this stage leads to a sense of purpose.
If initiative is dismissed or discourages, either through criticism or control, children develop a sense of guilt.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority
This stage occurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve.
It is at this stage that the child’s peer group will gain greater significance and will become a major source of the child’s self-esteem. The child is coping with new learning and social demands.
Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority.
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion
The fifth stage occurs during adolescence, from about 12-18 years.
Teenagers explore who they are as individuals, and seek to establish a sense of self, and may experiment with different roles, activities, and behaviors.
According to Erikson, this is important to the process of forming a strong identity and developing a sense of direction in life.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation
This stage takes place during young adulthood between the ages of approximately 19 and 40.
During this period, the major conflict centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation
This stage takes place during middle adulthood between the ages of approximately 40 and 65.
People experience a need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often having mentees or creating positive changes that will benefit other people.
Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.
8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
This stage takes place after age 65 and involves reflecting on one's life and either moving into feeling satisfied and happy with one's life or feeling a deep sense of regret.
Success at this stages leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair.
