Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson's perspective

Erikson argued that, to a large extent, we are the conscious architects of our own personalities. His theory of development emphasizes social relationships over sexual urges and names each stage according to its possible outcomes.

Identity versus role diffusion

Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, in which adolescents express a firm sense of self and what they stand for (ego identity) or lack of clarity in their life roles (role diffusion).

Trust versus mistrust

Erikson's first stage of psychosexual development, during which children do—or do not—come to trust that primary caregivers and the environment will meet their needs.

Intimacy versus isolation

Erikson's life crisis of early adulthood, which is characterized by the task of developing abiding intimate relationships.

Autonomy versus shame and doubt

Erikson's second stage, during which children seek to develop control over physical functions and achieve a sense of independence.

Integrity versus despair

Erikson's term for the crisis of late adulthood, characterized by the task of maintaining one's sense of identity despite physical deterioration.

Generativity versus stagnation

Erikson's term for the crisis of middle adulthood, characterized by the task of being productive and contributing to younger generations.

Initiative versus guilt

Erikson's third stage, during which children begin to assert control over the environment and obtain a sense of purpose. Children who try to exert too much power may run afoul of caregivers and develop feelings of guilt.

Industry versus inferiority

The fourth stage in Erikson's theory, in which children confront new academic and social challenges in the school setting, leading successful children to develop a sense of competence, and children who fall short to develop feelings of inferiority.