8 Stages of Development by Erik Erikson

Erik Erikson was a psychoanalyst and developmental psychologist who is best known for his theory of psychosocial development. His theory of psychosocial development is based on the idea that each stage of life presents a unique challenge that must be addressed and resolved in order for a person to move on to the next stage. He identified eight stages of development, each of which is associated with a particular challenge that must be addressed and resolved in order for a person to move on to the next stage.

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to 1 year)

The first stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is trust vs. mistrust. This stage occurs during the first year of life and is characterized by the infant’s need to develop a sense of trust in the world. If the infant’s needs are met consistently and reliably, they will develop a sense of trust in the world. If the infant’s needs are not met consistently and reliably, they will develop a sense of mistrust in the world.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1 to 3 years)

The second stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is autonomy vs. shame and doubt. This stage occurs during the toddler years and is characterized by the toddler’s need to develop a sense of autonomy. If the toddler is allowed to explore and make decisions on their own, they will develop a sense of autonomy. If the toddler is not allowed to explore and make decisions on their own, they will develop a sense of shame and doubt.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3 to 6 years)

The third stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is initiative vs. guilt. This stage occurs during the preschool years and is characterized by the child’s need to develop a sense of initiative. If the child is encouraged to explore and take initiative, they will develop a sense of initiative. If the child is not encouraged to explore and take initiative, they will develop a sense of guilt.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6 to 12 years)

The fourth stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is industry vs. inferiority. This stage occurs during the school-age years and is characterized by the child’s need to develop a sense of industry. If the child is encouraged to work hard and take pride in their accomplishments, they will develop a sense of industry. If the child is not encouraged to work hard and take pride in their accomplishments, they will develop a sense of inferiority.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (12 to 18 years)

The fifth stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is identity vs. role confusion. This stage occurs during the adolescent years and is characterized by the teen’s need to develop a sense of identity. If the teen is encouraged to explore their interests and develop their own sense of identity, they will develop a sense of identity. If the teen is not encouraged to explore their interests and develop their own sense of identity, they will develop a sense of role confusion.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (18 to 35 years)

The sixth stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is intimacy vs. isolation. This stage occurs during the young adult years and is characterized by the young adult’s need to develop a sense of intimacy. If the young adult is encouraged to form meaningful relationships and develop a sense of intimacy, they will develop a sense of intimacy. If the young adult is not encouraged to form meaningful relationships and develop a sense of intimacy, they will develop a sense of isolation.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (35 to 65 years)

The seventh stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is generativity vs. stagnation. This stage occurs during the middle adult years and is characterized by the middle adult’s need to develop a sense of generativity. If the middle adult is encouraged to contribute to society and develop a sense of generativity, they will develop a sense of generativity. If the middle adult is not encouraged to contribute to society and develop a sense of generativity, they will develop a sense of stagnation.

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years)

The eighth and final stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is integrity vs. despair. This stage occurs during the later adult years and is characterized by the older adult’s need to develop a sense of integrity. If the older adult is encouraged to reflect on their life and develop a sense of integrity, they will develop a sense of integrity. If the older adult is not encouraged to reflect on their life and develop a sense of integrity, they will develop a sense of despair.

FAQs

What are the 8 stages of development by Erik Erikson?

The 8 stages of development by Erik Erikson are trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. role confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation, and integrity vs. despair.

What is the first stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development?

The first stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is trust vs. mistrust. This stage occurs during the first year of life and is characterized by the infant’s need to develop a sense of trust in the world.

What is the last stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development?

The last stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development is integrity vs. despair. This stage occurs during the later adult years and is characterized by the older adult’s need to develop a sense of integrity.