Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development

Erikson explained eight stages of psychosocial development, from infancy to adulthood.  During each stage, the person experiences a psychosocial crisis which could have a positive or negative outcome for personality development. That means psychological needs of the individual conflicting with the needs of society .

Erikson's eight stages are:

·         Stage 1: Trust versus mistrust (birth to 1 year)

·         Stage 2: Autonomy versus shame and doubt (1 to 2 years)

·         Stage 3: Initiative versus guilt (3 to 5 years)

·         Stage 4: Industry versus inferiority (6 to 11 years)

·         Stage 5: Identity versus role confusion (12 to 18 years)

·         Stage 6: Intimacy versus isolation (19 to 40 years)

·         Stage 7: Generativity versus stagnation (41 to 64 years)

·         Stage 8: Integrity versus despair (65 years to death)

 

1. Trust vs. Mistrust

Trust vs. mistrust is the first stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage begins at birth continues to approximately 18 months of age. During this stage, the infant is uncertain about the world in which they live, and looks towards their primary caregiver for stability and consistency of care.

If the care the infant receives is consistent, predictable and reliable, they will develop a sense of trust which will carry with them to other relationships, and they will be able to feel secure even when threatened.

If the care has been inconsistent, unpredictable and unreliable, then the infant may develop a sense of mistrust, suspicion, and anxiety. In this situation the infant will not have confidence in the world around them or in their abilities to influence events.

 

 

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the second stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months to approximately 3 years. According to Erikson, children at this stage are focused on developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. 

 

If children in this stage are encouraged and supported in their increased independence, they become more confident and secure in their own ability to survive in the world.

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.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt(3 to 5 years)

Initiative versus guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. During the initiative versus guilt stage, children assert themselves more frequently through directing play and other social interaction.

During this period the primary feature involves the child regularly interacting with other children at school. Central to this stage is play, as it provides children with the opportunity to explore their interpersonal skills through initiating activities. The children develop a sense of initiative and feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions.

 

4. Industry vs. Inferiority(6 to 11 years)

Erikson's fourth psychosocial crisis, involving industry (competence) vs. Inferiority occurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve.

Children are at the stage where they will be learning to read and write, to do sums, to do things on their own. It is at this stage that the child’s peer group will gain greater significance and will become a major source of the child’s self-esteem. Some failure may be necessary so that the child can develop some modesty. Again, a balance between competence and modesty is necessary. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of competence.

---

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

During this stage, adolescents search for a sense of self and personal identity, through an intense exploration of personal values, beliefs, and goals. 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 of development where the child has to learn the roles he will occupy as an adult.

.

Erikson claims that the adolescent may feel uncomfortable about their body for a while until they can adapt and “grow into” the changes. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of reliability. Fidelity involves being able to commit one's self to others on the basis of accepting others, even when there may be ideological differences.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation(19 to 40 years)

Intimacy versus isolation is the sixth stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage takes place during young adulthood between the ages of approximately 18 to 40 yrs. During this stage, the major conflict centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people.

During this stage, we begin to share ourselves more intimately with others. Successful completion of this stage can result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship. Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of love.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation

 This stage takes place during during middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65 yrs).

Psychologically, generativity refers to "making your mark" on the world through creating or nurturing things that will outlast an individual. During middle age individuals experience a need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often having mentees or creating positive changes that will benefit other people.

At this stage of life, individuals are pulled in all directions with work, family obligations, and children. Depending on their individual situation, they may be taking care of ailing or elderly parents, still raising children, or facing an empty nest. These are moments of great change and transformation. This stage of life can open doors to individuals’ sense of belonging and contribution to the next generation.”. 

---

8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair(65 years to death)

Ego integrity versus despair is the final stage of Erik Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development. This stage begins at approximately age 65 and ends at death. Individuals who reflect on their life and regret not achieving their goals will experience feelings of bitterness and despair.

 

As we grow older (65+ yrs) and become seniour citizens, we tend to slow down our productivity and explore life as a retired person.

Wise people are not characterized by a continuous state of ego integrity, but they experience both ego integrity and despair. Thus, late life is characterized by both integrity and despair as alternating states that need to be balanced.