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Understanding Erikson's Psycho-social Development Stages

Apr 17, 2025

Erikson's Theory of Psycho-social Development

Erikson's theory divides a person's life into eight stages from birth to death, each with its own challenges and key influences.

Stage 1: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

  • Age: Infancy (1-2 years)
  • Key Question: Can I trust the world?
  • Outcome:
    • Trust if needs are met; mistrust if they are not.
  • Influence: Mother is the key to development.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

  • Age: Early Childhood (2-4 years)
  • Key Question: Is it okay to be me?
  • Outcome:
    • Autonomy if allowed exploration; shame and doubt if restricted.
  • Influence: Both parents play a major role.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

  • Age: Preschool Age (4-5 years)
  • Key Question: Is it okay to do what I do?
  • Outcome:
    • Initiative if encouraged; guilt if discouraged.
  • Influence: Learning from the entire family.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

  • Age: School Age (5-12 years)
  • Key Question: Can I make it in this world?
  • Outcome:
    • Industriousness with positive feedback; inferiority with negative feedback.
  • Influence: Neighbors and schools.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion

  • Age: Adolescence (13–19 years)
  • Key Question: Who am I and where am I going?
  • Outcome:
    • Identity with exploration; role confusion if pressured to conform.
  • Influence: Peers and role models.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

  • Age: Early Adulthood (20-40 years)
  • Key Question: Can I love?
  • Outcome:
    • Intimacy with commitment; isolation without it.
  • Influence: Friends and partners.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

  • Age: Adulthood (40-65 years)
  • Key Question: Can I make my life count?
  • Outcome:
    • Generativity with positive contributions; stagnation without direction.
  • Influence: People at home and work.

Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair

  • Age: Maturity (65-death)
  • Key Question: How have I done?
  • Outcome:
    • Integrity with reflection on success; despair otherwise.
  • Influence: Personal reflection and comparison.

Background on Erik Erikson

  • German-American psychologist.
  • Influenced by Sigmund and Anna Freud.
  • Known for coining "Identity crisis."
  • Served as a professor at Harvard and Yale without a formal degree.

Additional Resources

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Note

  • This summary provides an overview of the psycho-social development stages and highlights Erikson's contribution and background.

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