-
Stage 1 - Infancy
0-2 years old
Trust vs. Mistrust
If the infant's basic needs are met, they are likely to develop trusting their parents and other people. If the baby's basic needs are not met or ignored, they will become less trusting, and their brains will develop faster to manage their own stress. -
Stage 2 - Toddlerhood
2-3 years old
Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
Independance vs. Dependency
Encouragement of self-efficacy by parent/caretaker will lead to high confidence and autonomy of the toddler. If discouraged, the toddler will begin to doubt themselves and thier actions. -
Stage 3 - Preschool
3-5 years old
Initiative vs. Guilt
Children will speak up & assert themselves when they need something.
If this behavior is treated with a positive reaction, the child will view initiative as a positive thing. If the child's initiative is greeted negatively, the child will be deterred from takin the lead and become timider. -
Stage 4 - Early School Years
Kindergarten-3rd
Industry vs. Inferiority
Children begin comparing themselves to others
If children feel accomplished in relation to their peer, they develop strong self-esteem. If children feel they haven't met milestones compared to classmates, they may struggle with self-esteem and image. -
Stage 5 - Adolescents
Puberty
Identity vs. Role Confusion
Child begins developing sense of self
Adolescents who can identify who they are and grow up with create stronger goals & self-confidence. Those who still deeply depend on parents/others for social interaction may experience role confusion. -
Stage 6 - Young Adulthood
Roughly 20 years old
Intimacy vs. Isolation
People begin developing their closest relationships.
Those who gain close relationships develop the ability to grow intimate connections. While those who don't develop these relationships can feel isolated. -
Stage 7 - Middle Adulthood
40-65 years old
Generativity vs. Stagnation
People may struggle with how they feel they have contributed to society.
Those who feel they have contributed feel a sense of leaving a legacy; while those who feel they have not contributed wonder if their life's work holds any meaning and experience stagnation. -
Stage 8 - Late Adulthood
65+
Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Reaching the end of life, people reflect on it
If the person experiences fulfillment & believe their life was meaningful, they'll experience ego integrity. If they feel they haven't lived a good life or experience regret, the person will experience despair.