Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Approximate Age Description of Developmental Task

Infancy Trust vs. Mistrust: During the first year, babies are torn between trusting and
mistrusting their parents. If the baby’s needs are dependably met, they will develop
(1st Year) a sense of basic trust in the predictability of their environment. Otherwise, frustrated
infants may become suspicious, fearful, and overly concerned about security.

Toddler Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt: Due to children’s growing physical
development, they begin to have greater contact with their surroundings. They learn
(2nd Year) to hold things, manipulate objects, and control their excretory functions. If a child
repeatedly fails to master skills during this stage, the child may experience self-
doubt and shame.

Preschooler Initiative vs. Guilt: Preschoolers learn to initiate tasks, carry out plans, and
undertake new projects. Parental support for these initiatives can lead to a sense of
(3-5 years) joy in the children. However, if children are unable to acquire a sense of initiative,
they may develop strong feelings of guilt, unworthiness, and resentment.

Elementary School Competence (or "Industry") vs. Inferiority: At home and school, children
encounter a new set of expectations. They need the skills to become fully-
(6 years to puberty) functioning adults. If the are unable to meet these expectations, they may conclude
that they are inadequate, mediocre, or inferior and lose faith in their power to
become competent.

Adolescence Identity vs. Role Confusion: At puberty, childhood ends and adulthood
begins. The critical problem at this stage is to find one’s identity. Failure to forge an
(teen years into early identity leads to role confusion and despair.
20’s)

Young Adulthood Intimacy vs. Isolation: During this stage, men and women must learn to be
intimate (physically and emotionally) with another adult. Usually, this occurs in the
(20’s to early 40’s) form of marriage. Erikson felt we must have resolved earlier developmental issues
in order to become intimate. To form an intimate relationship, lovers must be
trusting, autonomous, capable of initiative, and must understand themselves. Failure
at intimacy can bring a painful sense of loneliness and isolation.

Middle Adulthood Generativity vs. Stagnation: During this stage, the challenge is to remain
productive and creative in all aspects of one’s life. People who have successfully
(40’s to 60’s) negotiated the earlier 6 stages are likely to find meaning and joy in all aspects of
their lives—career, family, community, etc. For others, life becomes a drab routine.

Late Adulthood Integrity vs. Despair: As people get older, they must come to terms with the
approach of death. People who have gained full maturity by resolving earlier stages
(Late 60’s and up) possess the integrity to face death with a minimum of fear.