Erikson's Theory Of Psychosocial Development

Front 1

Stage 1

Back 1

Trust vs Mistrust: birth-18 mo. Feeding; Infant must form a loving, trusting relationship with the caregiver

Front 2

Stage 2

Back 2

Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt: 18 mo.-3yr. Toilet Training; Child’s energies are directed toward the development of physical skills (walking, grasping, etc.); Child learns control but may develop shame and doubt if not handled well

Front 3

Stage 3

Back 3

Initiative vs. Guilt: 3-6 yr. Independence; Child continues to become more assertive, take more initiative; May become too forceful which can lead to guilt

Front 4

Stage 4

Back 4

Industry vs. Inferiority: 6-12 yr. School; Child must deal with demands to learn new skills or risk a sense of inferiority/failure/incompetence

Front 5

Stage 5

Back 5

Identity vs. Role Confusion: Adolescence. Peer relationships; Teenager must achieve identity in occupation, gender roles, politics, and religion

Front 6

Stage 6

Back 6

Intimacy vs. Isolation: Young adulthood. Love relationships; Young adult must develop intimate relationships or suffer feelings of isolation

Front 7

Stage 7

Back 7

Generativity vs. Stagnation: Middle adulthood. Parenting/Mentoring; Each adult must find some way to satisfy and support the next generation

Front 8

Stage 8

Back 8

Ego integrity vs. Despair. Late adulthood; Reflection on and acceptance of one’s life; The culmination is a sense of acceptance of oneself/a sense of fulfillment