Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

Psychosocial Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust

During the first stage of psychosocial development, children develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. A lack of this will lead to mistrust. The infant depends on the caregiver for basic needs such as food, warmth, and safety. If these needs are not consistently met, the infant may develop a sense of distrust towards the world.

Key Question: "Can I trust the world?"

Virtue: Hope

Important Event: Feeding

Psychosocial Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

In the second stage, children begin to assert their independence by walking away from their mothers, choosing which toy to play with, and making choices about what they like to wear, eat, etc. If children are criticized, overly controlled, or not given the opportunity to assert themselves, they begin to feel inadequate in their ability to survive, and may then become overly dependent upon others, lack self-esteem, and feel a sense of shame or doubt in their abilities.

Key Question: "Is it okay to be me?"

Virtue: Will

Important Event: Toilet Training

Psychosocial Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt

During the preschool years, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social interaction. Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to lead others. Those who fail to acquire these skills are left with a sense of guilt, self-doubt, and lack of initiative. They may become too dependent on adults and may hesitate in trying new things.

Key Question: "Is it okay for me to do, move, and act?"

Virtue: Purpose

Important Event: Exploration

Psychosocial Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority

Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills. Those who receive little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers will doubt their abilities to be successful.

Key Question: "Can I make it in the world of people and things?"

Virtue: Competence

Important Event: School

Psychosocial Crisis: Identity vs. Role Confusion

During adolescence, the transition from childhood to adulthood is most important. Children are becoming more independent, and begin to look at the future in terms of career, relationships, families, housing, etc. The individual wants to belong to a society and fit in. This is a major stage in development where the child has to learn the roles he will occupy as an adult.

Key Question: "Who am I and where am I going?"

Virtue: Fidelity

Important Event: Social Relationships

Psychosocial Crisis: Intimacy vs. Isolation

This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are exploring personal relationships. Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation. Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other people. Those who are successful in this stage will form relationships that are enduring and secure.

Key Question: "Who am I with?"

Virtue: Love

Important Event: Relationships

Psychosocial Crisis: Generativity vs. Stagnation

During middle adulthood, we establish our careers, settle down within a relationship, begin our own families and develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture. We give back to society through raising our children, being productive at work, and becoming involved in community activities and organizations. By failing to achieve these objectives, we become stagnant and feel unproductive.

Key Question: "What can I give?"

Virtue: Care

Important Event: Work and Parenthood

Psychosocial Crisis: Ego Integrity vs. Despair

As we grow older and become senior citizens, we tend to slow down our productivity and explore life as a retired person. It is during this time that we contemplate our accomplishments and are able to develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life. If we see our lives as unproductive, feel guilt about our past, or feel that we did not accomplish our life goals, we become dissatisfied with life and develop despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness.

Key Question: "Is it okay to have been me?"

Virtue: Wisdom

Important Event: Reflection on Life