| Approximate Age | Freud (Psychosexual) | Erikson (Psychosocial) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth to 1 year | Oral Stage The lips, tongue, and gums are the focus of pleasurable sensations in the baby’s body, and sucking and feeding are the most stimulating activities. | Trust vs. Mistrust Babies either trust that others will satisfy their basic needs, including nourishment, warmth, cleanliness, and physical contact, or develop mistrust about the care of others. |
| 1-3 years | Anal Stage The anus is the focus of pleasurable sensations in the baby’s body, and toilet training is the most important activity. | Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt Children either become self-sufficient in many activities, including toileting, feeding, walking, exploring, and talking, or doubt their own abilities. |
| 3-6 years | Phallic Stage The phallus, or penis, is the most important body part, and pleasure is derived from genital stimulation. Boys are proud of their penises; girls wonder why they don’t have them. | Initiative vs. Guilt Children either try to undertake many adultlike activities or internalize the limits and prohibitions set by parents. They feel either adventurous or guilty. |
| 6-11 years | Latency Not really a stage, latency is an interlude. Sexual needs are quiet; psychic energy flows into sports, schoolwork, and friendship. | Industry vs. Inferiority Children busily practice and then master new skills or feel inferior, unable to do anything well. |
| Adolescence | Genital Stage The genitals are the focus of pleasurable sensations, and the young person seeks sexual stimulation and satisfaction in heterosexual relationships. | Identity vs. Role Confusion Adolescents task themselves “Who am I?” They establish sexual, political, religious, and vocational identities or are confused about their roles. |
| Adulthood | Freud believed that the genital stage lasts throughout adulthood. He also said that the goal of a healthy life is “to love and to work.” | Intimacy vs. Isolation Young adults seek companionship and love or become isolated from others, fearing rejection. Generativity vs. Stagnation Middle-aged adults contribute to future generations through work, creative activities, and parenthood or they stagnate. Integrity vs. Despair Older adults try to make sense of their lives, either seeing life as a meaningful whole or despairing at goals never reached. |