Erikson Stages of Psychosocial Development

In this article we cover:

  • Who Was Erik Erikson?
  • Erikson’s View on Conflict
  • The Eight Stages of Development

Published May 9, 2022

In 1950, Erik Erikson proposed a theory of psychosocial development that described eight stages by which a person progresses throughout their life. Each stage is characterized by a different conflict that must be resolved in order to progress to the next stage.

1. Infancy: Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage, infancy, is marked by the conflict between trust and mistrust. Infants must learn to trust that their needs will be met by their caregivers. If they do not, they will develop a sense of mistrust.

2. Toddlerhood: Autonomy vs. Shame

The second stage, toddlerhood, is characterized by the conflict between autonomy and shame. Toddlers must learn to do things for themselves and feel confident in their abilities. If they do not, they may feel ashamed.

3. Childhood: Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage, childhood, is marked by the conflict between initiative and guilt. Children must learn to take initiative and be assertive. If they do not, they may feel guilty.

4. School Age: Industry Vs. Inferiority

The fourth stage, school age, is characterized by the conflict between industry and inferiority. Children must learn to feel competent and productive. If they do not, they may feel inferior.

5. Adolescence: Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth stage, adolescence, is characterized by the conflict between identity and role confusion. Adolescents must develop a sense of self and find out who they are. If they do not, they may feel confused about their role in life.

6. Young Adulthood: Intimacy vs. Isolation

The sixth stage, young adulthood, is marked by the conflict between intimacy and isolation. Young adults must learn to form close relationships with others. If they are not, they may feel isolated.

7. Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh stage, middle adulthood, is marked by the conflict between Generativity and Stagnation. Middle-aged adults must learn to care for others and contribute to society. If they are not, they may feel stagnant.

8. Late Adulthood: Ego Integrity vs. Despair

The eighth stage, late adulthood, is marked by the conflict between ego integrity and despair. Older adults must come to terms with their lives and accept death. If they are not, they may feel despair.

Erikson’s theory is a useful tool for understanding human development. It can help us to understand our own lives and the lives of others. It can also help us to understand the challenges that people face at different stages of life. Some people have good luck with dream work to identify conflict stages that they have yet to integrate properly.

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Who Was Erik Erikson?

Erik Erikson was a well-known psychologist who developed the theory of psychosocial development. Erikson was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1902. His parents were unmarried at the time, and his father soon left the family. Erikson was raised by his mother and stepfather, who were both very supportive.

As a young man, Erikson travelled around Europe and eventually settled in Denmark. He began his career as a psychiatrist, working with patients who had mental health issues. He soon developed his own theories about human development, which he published in his book Childhood and Society.

Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development has had a major impact on our understanding of human development.

Erik Erikson

Erikson’s View on Conflict

Erik Erikson believed that everyone must go through a series of eight conflicts in order to become a fully-functioning adult. These conflicts 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 ego integrity vs. despair.

Each one of these conflicts must be resolved in order for a person to progress to the next stage of development. However, not all conflicts are resolved successfully. If a conflict is not resolved successfully, it can lead to serious problems later on in life.

For example, if someone does not learn to trust other people during the trust vs. mistrust stage, they may have difficulty forming close relationships with others. Or, if someone does not learn to be autonomous during the autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage, they may have difficulty making decisions later on in life.

Erikson’s view on conflict is that it is necessary in order for a person to develop properly. Without conflict, a person would never learn the skills they need to function successfully in society.

Infancy: The Conflict of Trust vs. Mistrust

During the earliest stage of life, infancy, babies are completely dependent on others for their survival. They are unable to care for themselves in any way and must rely on adults to provide them with food, shelter, and love. This complete dependence can be a source of great anxiety for both infants and their caregivers. On one hand, infants must learn to trust that their caregivers will meet their needs and keep them safe. On the other hand, caregivers must learn to trust that infants will not deliberately or unintentionally harm themselves. This conflict of trust versus mistrust is a central theme of infancy.

Babies are born with a natural ability to cry when they are hungry or in pain. This crying is their primary means of communication with the outside world. Caregivers must learn to interpret an infant’s cries in order to meet their needs. If a caregiver consistently responds to an infant’s cries, the infant will begin to trust that their needs will be met. However, if a caregiver does not respond consistently, the infant may begin to mistrust them.

In order to build trust, it is important for caregivers to be consistent in their responses to an infant’s needs. They should also provide the infant with plenty of physical and emotional affection. Babies who feel loved and secure are more likely to develop a trusting relationship with their caregivers.

Conversely, mistrust can develop if an infant feels neglected or unsupported. If their needs are not consistently met, they may begin to feel that the world is an unsafe and unpredictable place. This can lead to mistrust of both caregivers and others in general.

It is important for caregivers to be aware of the conflict between trust and mistrust during infancy. By providing consistent care and support, they can help infants develop a trusting relationship with the world around them.

infancy trust vs. mistrust

Toddlerhood: The Conflict of Autonomy vs. Shame

During the toddler stage of life, children begin to develop a sense of independence. They learn to walk and talk, and they start to explore their surroundings. This newfound independence can be both exciting and frustrating for both toddlers and their caregivers. On one hand, toddlers want to assert their autonomy and explore the world on their own. On the other hand, caregivers may feel the need to protect their toddlers from harm. This conflict of autonomy versus shame is a central theme of toddlerhood.

Toddlers are often eager to explore their surroundings and try new things. They may want to touch everything, climb on furniture, and run around. This exploration is a natural part of their development, but it can also be dangerous. Caregivers must learn to balance their toddlers’ need for independence with their need for safety.

It is important for caregivers to encourage their toddlers to explore and assert their autonomy. This can be done by providing them with opportunities to make choices, such as what clothes to wear or what food to eat. It is also important to give them plenty of physical and emotional affection. This will help them feel loved and supported as they navigate their newfound independence.

However, it is also important for caregivers to set limits on their toddlers’ behavior. They should not allow them to put themselves in danger or harm others. This will help toddlers learn to respect the boundaries that have been set for them.

The conflict between autonomy and shame is a central theme of toddlerhood. By providing their toddlers with love and support, caregivers can help them navigate this stage of life successfully.

Muladhara: The Root Chakra

Childhood: The Conflict of Initiative vs. Guilt

As children enter into childhood, they begin to develop a sense of self-awareness. They start to understand that they are separate individuals from their caregivers. This newfound sense of self can be both exciting and daunting for children. On one hand, they may feel the need to assert their independence and take initiative in their lives. On the other hand, they may feel guilty about doing things that are not in line with their caregivers’ wishes. This conflict of initiative versus guilt is a central theme of childhood.

As children enter into childhood, they begin to develop a sense of self-awareness. They start to understand that they are separate individuals from their caregivers. This newfound sense of self can be both exciting and daunting for children. On one hand, they may feel the need to assert their independence and take initiative in their lives. On the other hand, they may feel guilty about doing things that are not in line with their caregivers’ wishes. This conflict of initiative versus guilt is a central theme of childhood.

Children often want to take initiative and assert their independence. They may want to try new things, make friends, and explore their surroundings. This is a natural part of their development, but it can also be scary for both children and their caregivers. Caregivers must learn to balance their children’s need for independence with their need for guidance and support.

It is important for caregivers to encourage their children to take initiative in their lives. This can be done by providing them with opportunities to make choices, such as what clothes to wear or what food to eat. It is also important to give them plenty of physical and emotional affection. This will help them feel loved and supported as they navigate their newfound independence.

School: The Conflict of Industry vs. Inferiority

As children enter into school, they are faced with new demands and expectations. They are expected to sit still for long periods of time, pay attention to their teachers, and complete their work on time. For many children, this can be a difficult transition. They may feel the need to rebel against these new rules and expectations. This conflict of industry versus inferiority is a central theme of school-age childhood.

If children are not able to meet the demands of school, they may begin to feel like they are not good enough. They may start to believe that they are not smart enough or that they can’t do anything right. This can lead to feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem. These negative beliefs about themselves can impact every aspect of their lives, from their school performance to their social interactions.

It is important for children to learn how to meet the demands of school so that they can feel successful and confident. When children feel like they can’t do something, it is important to encourage them and help them find ways to succeed. By doing this, we can help children overcome the conflict of industry vs. inferiority and reach their full potential.

school aged industry vs inferiority

Adolescence: The Conflict of Role Confusion vs. Identity

The adolescent years are a time when many young people experience conflict between who they are and who they want to be. They may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations and norms. However, they often also feel a strong need to explore their own individual identity. This conflict can lead to role confusion, which is when individuals are unsure of their place in the world and their role within society. That being said, with exploration and self-discovery, adolescents can develop a strong sense of identity. This process is essential to healthy development and can lay the foundation for a successful adult life.

Role confusion is common during adolescence. It can be caused by many factors, including the pressure to conform to societal norms, the exploration of new and different identities, and the physical and psychological changes that occur during this time. Role confusion can lead to negative outcomes, such as teenage pregnancy, drug use, and delinquency. However, it can also be a positive force in an adolescent’s life, leading to self-discovery and the development of a strong sense of identity.

The exploration of new identities is a normal part of adolescence. It is often sparked by changes in the body, such as the onset of puberty, and by changes in social roles. This exploration can be a positive experience that leads to self-discovery and a stronger sense of identity. However, it can also be a source of conflict and confusion. For example, an adolescent who is exploring their sexuality may feel confused and conflicted about their sexual orientation.

The process of identity formation is often a difficult and challenging one. However, it is through this process that adolescents can learn to accept and understand themselves. They can also develop a sense of purpose and direction in life.

The adolescent years are a time of great change and growth. They can be a time of confusion and conflict, but they can also be a time of self-discovery and the development of a strong sense of identity. Adolescents who are able to explore their identities and develop a clear sense of self are more likely to be successful in adulthood.

Young Adulthood: The Conflict of Intimacy vs. Isolation

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is often marked by a period of intense exploration and experimentation, as young people try to figure out who they are and what they want in life. A major task of this stage is developing intimate relationships with others, and many young adults struggle with the balance between intimacy and isolation.

Young adults crave close connections and may feel isolated if they don’t have them. They might date or move in with someone without really knowing them, just for the sake of being in a relationship. Conversely, they may be afraid of getting too close to someone, lest they get hurt or rejected. Once can see how this might be the case if they never succeeded during the trust vs. mistrust stage. This can lead to a cycle of short-lived relationships or even loneliness.

Finding the right balance between intimacy and isolation is a crucial task of young adulthood, and one that can be difficult to achieve. Those who are able to find close, supportive relationships often go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives, while those who remain isolated may never reach their full potential.

Middle Adulthood: The Conflict of Generativity vs. Stagnation

The years of middle adulthood are often referred to as the “prime of life.” This is a time when people are typically in their physical and mental prime, and they are able to accomplish a great deal. However, this period of life is also marked by a number of challenges, chief among them being the conflict between generativity and stagnation.

For many, middle adulthood is a time when they feel the need to give back to society. They may do this through raising families, volunteering, or working to make the world a better place. This desire to contribute is known as generativity.

For others, middle adulthood can be a time when they feel stuck in a rut. They may feel like they’re just going through the motions day after day, with no real sense of purpose. This can lead to feelings of stagnation.

The conflict between these two forces can be a major source of stress for middle-aged adults. This may even be the source of the “mid-life crisis” cliche. However, it is possible to find a balance between the two. By finding ways to contribute to society and also taking time for personal growth, middle-aged adults can lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.

middle adulthood generativity vs stagnation

Late Adulthood: The Conflict of Ego Integrity vs. Despair

The years of late adulthood are often a time of reflection and evaluation. This is when people look back on their lives and assess what they have accomplished. For some, this can be a time of ego integrity, when they feel proud of what they have done and are at peace with their choices.

For others, late adulthood can be a time of despair. They may carry regrets about the past or feel like they have not lived up to their potential. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

The conflict between ego integrity and despair is a major source of stress for older adults. It can be difficult to come to terms with one’s life choices and accomplishments. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s life is unique and that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to live. What matters most is how we feel about our lives. By accepting ourselves and our choices, we can find peace in late adulthood.

Late adulthood ego integrity vs despair

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Development: Bringing it All Together

Erik Erikson’s stages of development provide a framework for understanding the challenges faced by different age groups. By understanding these stages, we can better understand the motivations and behaviors of people of all ages. We can also find ways to help people navigate the challenges of each stage. This is important because it can lead to happier and more fulfilling lives for everyone.