Understanding Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development (2024)

Erik Erikson was an ego psychologist who developed one of the most popular and influential theories of development. While his theory was impacted by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud's work, Erikson's theory centered on psychosocial development rather than psychosexual development.

The stages that make up his theory are as follows:

  • Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy from birth to 18 months)
  • Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddler years from 18 months to three years)
  • Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool years from three to five)
  • Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (Middle school years from six to 11)
  • Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion (Teen years from 12 to 18)
  • Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young adult years from 18 to 40)
  • Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle age from 40 to 65)
  • Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (Older adulthood from 65 to death)

Let's take a closer look at the background and different stages that make up Erikson's psychosocial theory.

Understanding Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development (1)

Overview of Erikson's Stages of Development

So what exactly did Erikson's theory of psychosocial development entail? Much like Sigmund Freud, Erikson believed that personality developedin a series of stages.

Unlike Freud's theory of psychosexual stages, however, Erikson's theory described the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan. Erikson was interested in how social interaction and relationships played a role in the development and growth of human beings.

Erikson's theory was based on what is known as the epigenetic principle. This principle suggests that people grow in a sequence that occurs over time and in the context of a larger community.

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Conflict During Each Stage

Each stage in Erikson's theory builds on the preceding stages and paves the way for following periods of development. In each stage, Erikson believed people experience aconflictthat serves as a turning point in development.

In Erikson's view, these conflicts are centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these times, the potential for personal growth is highbut so is the potential for failure.

If people successfully deal with the conflict, they emerge from the stage with psychological strengths that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. If they fail to deal effectively with these conflicts, they may not develop the essential skills needed for a strong sense of self.

Mastery Leads to Ego Strength

Erikson also believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviors and actions. Each stage in Erikson's theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of life.

If the stage is handled well, the person will feel a sense of mastery, which is sometimes referred to as ego strength or ego quality. If the stage is managed poorly, the person will emerge with a sense of inadequacy in that aspect of development.

Psychosocial Stages: A Summary Chart
AgeConflictImportant EventsOutcome
Infancy (birth to 18 months)Trust vs. MistrustFeedingHope
Early Childhood (2 to 3 years)Autonomy vs. Shame and DoubtToilet TrainingWill
Preschool (3 to 5 years)Initiative vs. GuiltExplorationPurpose
School Age (6 to 11 years)Industry vs. InferioritySchoolConfidence
Adolescence (12 to 18 years)Identity vs. Role ConfusionSocial RelationshipsFidelity
Young Adulthood (19 to 40 years)Intimacy vs. IsolationRelationshipsLove
Middle Adulthood (40 to 65 years)Generativity vs. StagnationWork and ParenthoodCare
Maturity (65 to death)Ego Integrity vs. DespairReflection on LifeWisdom

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development occurs between birth and 1 year of age and is the most fundamental stage in life. Because an infant is utterly dependent, developing trust is based on the dependability and quality of the child's caregivers.

At this point in development, the child is utterly dependent upon adult caregivers for everything they need to survive including food, love, warmth, safety, and nurturing. If a caregiver fails to provide adequate care and love, the child will come to feel that they cannot trust or depend upon the adults in their life.

Outcomes

If a child successfully develops trust, the child will feel safe and secure in the world. Caregivers who are inconsistent, emotionally unavailable, or rejecting contribute to feelings of mistrust in the children under their care. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.

During the first stage of psychosocial development, children develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. A lack of this will lead to mistrust.

No child is going to develop a sense of 100% trust or 100% doubt. Erikson believed that successful development was all about striking a balance between the two opposing sides. When this happens, children acquire hope, which Erikson described as an openness to experience tempered by some wariness that danger may be present.

Subsequent work by researchers including John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth demonstrated the importance of trust in forming healthy attachments during childhood and adulthood.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development takes place during early childhood and is focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control.

The Role of Independence

At this point in development, children are just starting to gain a little independence. They are starting to perform basic actions on their own and making simple decisions about what they prefer. By allowing kids to make choices and gain control, parents and caregivers can help children develop a sense of autonomy.

Potty Training

The essential theme of this stage is that children need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Potty training plays an important role in helping children develop this sense of autonomy.

Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of this process. However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different than that of Freud's. Erikson believed that learning to control one's bodily functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of independence. Other important events include gaining more control over food choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection.

Outcomes

Children who struggle and who are shamed for their accidents may be left without a sense of personal control. Success during this stage of psychosocial development leads to feelings of autonomy; failure results in feelings of shame and doubt.

Finding Balance

Children who successfully complete this stage feel secure and confident, while those who do not are left with a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt. Erikson believed that achieving a balance between autonomy and shame and doubt would lead to will, which is the belief that children can act with intention, within reason and limits.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage of psychosocial development takes place during the preschool years. At this point in psychosocial development, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social interactions.

Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to lead others. Those who fail to acquire these skills are left with a sense of guilt, self-doubt, and lack of initiative.

Outcomes

The major theme of the third stage of psychosocial development is that children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment. Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose. Children who try to exert too much power experience disapproval, resulting in a sense of guilt.

When an ideal balance of individual initiative and a willingness to work with others is achieved, the ego quality known aspurposeemerges.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth psychosocial stage takes place during the early school years from approximately ages 5 to 11. Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities.

Children need to cope with new social and academic demands. Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority.

Outcomes

Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills. Those who receive little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers will doubt their abilities to be successful.

Successfully finding a balance at this stage of psychosocial development leads to the strength known ascompetence, in which children develop a belief in their abilities to handle the tasks set before them.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion

The fifth psychosocial stage takes place during the often turbulent teenage years. This stage plays an essential role in developing a sense of personal identity which will continue to influence behavior and development for the rest of a person's life. Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to yourself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.

During adolescence, children explore their independence and develop a sense of self. Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and feelings of independence and control. Those who remainunsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and confused about themselves and the future.

What Is Identity?

When psychologists talk about identity, they are referring to all of the beliefs, ideals, and values that help shape and guide a person's behavior. Completing this stage successfully leads tofidelity, which Erikson described as an ability to live by society's standards and expectations.

While Erikson believed that each stage ofpsychosocial development was important, he placed a particular emphasis on the development of ego identity. Ego identity is theconscioussense of self that we develop through social interaction and becomes a central focus during the identity versus confusion stage of psychosocial development.

According to Erikson, our ego identity constantly changes due to new experiences and information we acquire in our daily interactions with others. As we have new experiences,we also take on challenges that can help or hinder the development of identity.

Why Identity Is Important

Our personal identity gives each of us an integrated and cohesive sense of self that endures through our lives.Our sense of personal identity is shaped by our experiences and interactions with others, and it is this identity that helps guide our actions, beliefs, and behaviors as we age.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation. This stage covers the period of early adulthood whenpeople are exploring personal relationships.

Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this step will form relationships that are enduring and secure.

Building On Earlier Stages

Remember that each step builds on skills learned in previous steps. Erikson believed that a strongsense of personal identitywas important for developing intimate relationships. Studies have demonstrated that those with a poor sense of self tend to have less committed relationships and are more likely to struggler with emotional isolation,loneliness, and depression.

Successful resolution of this stage results in the virtue known as love. It is marked by the ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships with other people.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

During adulthood, we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family. Those who are successful during this phase will feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home and community. Those who fail to attain this skill will feel unproductive and uninvolved in the world.

Care is the virtue achieved when this stage is handled successfully. Being proud of your accomplishments, watching your children grow into adults, and developing a sense of unity with your life partner are important accomplishments of this stage.

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair

The final psychosocial stage occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life. At this point in development, people look back on the events of their lives and determine if they are happy with the life that they lived or if they regret the things they did or didn't do.

Erikson's theory differed from many others because it addressed development throughout the entire lifespan, including old age. Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment. Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair.

At this stage, people reflect back on the events of their lives and take stock. Those who look back on a life they feel was well-lived will feel satisfied and ready to face the end of their lives with a sense of peace. Those who look back and only feel regret will instead feel fearful that their lives will end without accomplishing the things they feel they should have.​

Outcomes

Those who are unsuccessful during this stage will feel that their life has been wasted and may experience many regrets. The person will be left with feelings of bitterness and despair.

Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. These individuals will attainwisdom, even when confronting death.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Erikson's Theory

Erikson's theory also has its limitations and attracts valid criticisms. What kinds of experiences are necessary to successfully complete each stage? How does a person move from one stage to the next?

Criticism

One major weakness of psychosocial theory is that the exact mechanisms for resolving conflicts and moving from one stage to the next are not well described or developed. The theory fails to detail exactly what type of experiences are necessary at each stage in order to successfully resolve the conflicts and move to the next stage.

Support

One of the strengths of psychosocial theory is that it provides a broad framework from which to view development throughout the entire lifespan. It also allows us to emphasize the social nature of human beings and the important influence that social relationships have on development.

Researchers have found evidence supporting Erikson's ideas about identity and have further identified different sub-stages of identity formation. Some research also suggests that people who form strong personal identities during adolescence are better capable of forming intimate relationships during early adulthood. Other research suggests, however, that identity formation and development continues well into adulthood.

Why Was Erikson's Theory Important?

The theory was significant because it addressed development throughout a person's life, not just during childhood. It also stressed the importance of social relationships in shaping personality and growth at each point in development.

A Word From Verywell

It is important to remember that the psychosocial stages are just one theory of personality development. Some research may support certain aspects of this theoretical framework, but that does not mean that every aspect of the theory is supported by evidence. The theory can, however, be a helpful way to think about some of the different conflicts and challenges that people may face as they go through life.

It is also easy to look at each stage of Erikson's theory and consider how it can apply to your life. Learning about each stage can provide insight into what you might face as you age. It can also help you reflect on things that may have happened in the past and help you see ways you might be able to improve your coping skills to better deal with today's challenges.

What Is Personality and Why Does It Matter?

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Vogel-Scibilia SE, McNulty KC, Baxter B, Miller S, Dine M, Frese FJ. The recovery process utilizing Erikson's stages of human development. Community Ment Health J. 2009;45(6):405-14. doi:10.1007/s10597-009-9189-4

  2. Malone JC, Liu SR, Vaillant GE, Rentz DM, Waldinger RJ. Midlife Eriksonian psychosocial development: Setting the stage for late-life cognitive and emotional health. Dev Psychol. 2016;52(3):496-508. doi:10.1037/a0039875

  3. Orenstein GA, Lewis L. Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

  4. Meeus W, van de Schoot R, Keijsers L, Branje S. Identity statuses as developmental trajectories: A five-wave longitudinal study in early-to-middle and middle-to-late adolescents.J Youth Adolesc. 2012;41(8):1008-1021. doi:10.1007/s10964-011-9730-y

  5. Fadjukoff P, Pulkkinen L, Kokko K. Identity formation in adulthood: A longitudinal study from age 27 to 50.Identity (Mahwah, N J). 2016;16(1):8-23. doi:10.1080/15283488.2015.1121820

Additional Reading

  • Carver, CS & Scheir, MF.Perspectives on Personality. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon; 2011.

  • Erikson, E.H. Childhood and Society. (2nd ed.). New York: Norton; 1993.
  • Erikson, EH & Erikson, JM. The Life Cycle Completed. New York: Norton; 1998.

Understanding Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development (2)

By Kendra Cherry
Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology.

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Understanding Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development (2024)

FAQs

How does Erikson's theory explain psychosocial development? ›

Erikson maintained that personality develops in a predetermined order through eight stages of psychosocial development, from infancy to adulthood. During each stage, the person experiences a psychosocial crisis which could have a positive or negative outcome for personality development.

Why is Erikson's stages of psychosocial development important? ›

Support. One of the strengths of psychosocial theory is that it provides a broad framework from which to view development throughout the entire lifespan. It also allows us to emphasize the social nature of human beings and the important influence that social relationships have on development.

Why is Erikson's theory important to child development? ›

Erikson also believed that our behaviours and actions are driven by a sense of competence. So each phase of Erikson's theory focuses upon developing competence in a certain area of life. And when the stage is handled well, the individual develops a sense of mastery, sometimes described as ego strength or ego quality.

How does Erikson's theory apply to life? ›

Erikson's theory focuses on the development from birth to death, social context, and interpersonal relations during each stage of life (McAdams, 2009). In the same manner, each stage of life is comprehendible in three levels, such as the body, ego, and family and culture. The eight stages of life are infancy (trust vs.

What do you understand by psychosocial development? ›

Psychosocial development is just a fancy phrase that refers to how a person's individual needs (psycho) mesh with the needs or demands of society (social). According to Erikson, a person passes through eight developmental stages that build on each other. At each stage we face a crisis.

Which is a good reason to learn about personality theories? ›

Personality theories provide a better environment where it is easier to understand human developmental concepts, which explain the various changes in individual behavioral changes.

What aspects of Erikson's theory are most important for parents to understand? ›

Most important, there is a connection between present patterns of thinking and feeling, and earlier unresolved or resolved developmental issues. But Erikson also said that developmental blocks at any stage can be resolved at any point.

Which of the following reflect what Erikson believed to be the main influence on personality development? ›

Which of the following reflect what Erikson believed to be the main influence on personality development? Relationships with other individuals.

What was Erikson's most important contribution to human development? ›

Terms in this set (240) Erikson's MOST important contribution to human development was: spelling out the principle that people develop throughout the lifespan.

How can you apply Erik Erikson's theories in the classroom? ›

Provide a portion of the day when children can choose their own activities. Have a classroom library where children can pick their own books during reading time. This allows children the opportunity to learn how to make decisions for themselves. Break instruction and activities down into small steps.

In which of Erikson's stages must a person establish a sense of self guidance and self starting? ›

Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the second stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months to around age 2 or 3 years. According to Erikson, children at this stage are focused on developing a greater sense of self-control.

When learning information that is in some type of order such as Erikson's psychosocial stages one needs to be aware of? ›

Answer and Explanation: When learning information that is in some type of order, such as Erikson's psychosocial stages, one needs to be aware of b. the serial position effect.

How can I improve my psychosocial development? ›

  1. Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. ...
  2. Take care of your body: Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. ...
  3. Surround yourself with good people: ...
  4. Give yourself: ...
  5. Learn how to deal with stress: ...
  6. Quiet your mind: ...
  7. Set realistic goals: ...
  8. Break up the monotony:

What is importance of inclusion for psychosocial development? ›

Inclusive programs allow children with disabilities to build their confidence and their ability to engage in physical and leisure activities and build social skills while improving their interaction with their typically developing peers (McConkey et al., 2015;Oriel et al., 2012;Temple et al., 2016).

What affects psychosocial development? ›

The psychosocial factors were socioeconomic environment, emotional environment, parental health behaviors, stressful events, self-regulation of the child, and social adjustment of the child.

How can learning about personality theory help people to improve their lives? ›

Personality theories provide a way of organizing the many characteristics of humans and to discover patterns in the ways people behave. The words we use describe the general ways of behaving. Theorists seek to find out if certain traits always appear together or why a person has some traits and not others.

Why is it important to know your personality? ›

Knowing your personality can help you learn more about yourself and the people around you. It can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, understand your feelings and actions, and control your behavior in different situations.

Why is personality psychology important? ›

Why Is Personality Psychology Important? Personality psychology helps people better understand the factors that play a role in personality. It also allows us to know more about how certain personality characteristics affect behavior. For example, some traits are linked to higher levels of happiness and well-being.

Why was the quality of parent/child relationships so important to Erikson? ›

Erikson held that the "well-parented" child would weather the crisis of Independence vs. Shame to become confident and able. Kids who were discouraged or criticized for their early efforts to do things for themselves became very negative.

What is the main idea of the behavioral perspective on personality? ›

According to the behavioral perspective, the way we behave and learn can be explained through our interactions with the environment. Our actions are always responses to stimuli, which either occur naturally or because of a learned response.

What do people face during each psychosocial stage that can serve as a turning point in development? ›

If the stage is managed poorly, the person will emerge with a sense of inadequacy. In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in development. In Erikson's view, these conflicts are centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality.

What is the contribution of psychosocial theory? ›

A major contribution of psychosocial theory is the identification of adolescence as the period of life when a person formulates a personal identity, a framework of values and commitments that guide major life choices in the transition to adulthood.

When was the psychosocial theory developed? ›

Erikson, a 20th-century psychologist and psychoanalyst, formulated the eight-stage life cycle theory in 1959 on the supposition that the environment plays a critical role in self-awareness, adjustment, human development and identity.

When did Erik Erikson develop his theory of psychosocial development? ›

Erik Erikson first published his eight-stage theory of human development in his 1950 book Childhood and Society.

When was Erikson's psychosocial theory developed? ›

Erikson, a 20th-century psychologist and psychoanalyst, formulated the eight-stage life cycle theory in 1959 on the supposition that the environment plays a critical role in self-awareness, adjustment, human development and identity.

What is psychosocial development in early childhood? ›

The psychosocial development of the toddler involves acquiring a clearer sense of himself or herself that is separate from that of the primary caregiver, becoming involved in wider social relationships, gaining self-control and mastery over motor and verbal skills, and developing independence and a self-concept.

What was Erikson's most important contribution to human development? ›

Terms in this set (240) Erikson's MOST important contribution to human development was: spelling out the principle that people develop throughout the lifespan.

What is the contribution of psychosocial theory? ›

A major contribution of psychosocial theory is the identification of adolescence as the period of life when a person formulates a personal identity, a framework of values and commitments that guide major life choices in the transition to adulthood.

Which of the following reflect what Erikson believed to be the main influence on personality development? ›

Which of the following reflect what Erikson believed to be the main influence on personality development? Relationships with other individuals.

Why is Erikson's theory viewed as psychosocial perspective? ›

Erikson's theory is considered psychosocial, emphasizing the importance of social and cultural factors across the lifespan. Despite Erikson's departure from the sexual primacy of Freud's theorizing, Erikson's theory is undoubtedly a psychoanalytic theory strongly influenced by Freud.

What is the importance of psychological development? ›

The study of developmental psychology is essential to understanding how humans learn, mature and adapt. Throughout their lives, humans go through various stages of development. Developmental psychologists study how people grow, develop and adapt at different life stages.

How can I improve my psychosocial development? ›

5 steps to mental wellbeing
  1. Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. ...
  2. Be physically active. Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. ...
  3. Learn new skills. ...
  4. Give to others. ...
  5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

What affects psychosocial development? ›

The psychosocial factors were socioeconomic environment, emotional environment, parental health behaviors, stressful events, self-regulation of the child, and social adjustment of the child.

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