An introductory text reads, psychologist Erik Erikson proposed that human development proceeds through eight psychosocial stages, outlined below. Each stage is marked by a developmental task or an emotional crisis that must be handled successfully to allow for healthy psychological growth (information from Erikson and Erikson, 1997). Critics contend that Erikson’s theory does not rest on a solid foundation of scientific evidence, but it provides a useful model for conceptualizing the different phases of human life.
A chart depicts the eight stages along with positive resolution and negative resolution for each stage.
Birth to 1 year: Trust versus mistrust. Positive resolution: trust others, has faith in others; negative resolution: mistrusts others, expects the worst of people.
1 to 3 years: Autonomy versus shame and doubt. Positive resolution: learns to be autonomous and independent; negative resolution: learns to feel shame and doubt when freedom to explore is restricted.
3 to 6 years: Initiative versus guilt. Positive resolution: becomes more responsible, shows the ability to follow through; negative resolution: develops guilt and anxiety when unable to handle responsibilities.
6 years to puberty: Industry versus inferiority. Positive resolution: feels a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem; negative resolution: feels inferiority or incompetence, which can later lead to unstable work habits.
Puberty to Twenties: Ego identity versus role confusion. Positive resolution: tries out roles and emerges with a strong sense of values, beliefs, and goals; negative resolution: lacks a solid identity, experiences withdrawal, isolation, or continued role confusion.
Young adulthood (20’s to 40’s): Intimacy versus isolation. Positive resolution: creates meaningful, deep relationships; negative resolution: lives in isolation.
Middle adulthood (40’s to mid-60’s): Generativity versus stagnation. Positive resolution: makes a positive impact on the next generation through parenting, community involvement, or work that is valuable and significant.
Late adulthood (mid-60’s and older): Integrity versus despair. Positive resolution: feels a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction; negative resolution: feels regret and dissatisfaction.