Erikson's Freudian life basic virtue and maladaptation
psychosoci psycho- stage / relationships / issu second named /malignancy (potenti
al crisis sexual es strength(potenti al negative outcome -
stages stages al positive one or the other -
(syntonic v outcomes from from unhelpful
dystonic) each crisis) experience during
each crisis)
1. Trust v Oral infant / mother / feeding Hope and Drive Sensory
Mistrust and being comforted, Distortion
teething, sleeping /Withdrawal
2. Anal toddler / parents / bodily Willpower and Impulsivity / Compul
Autonomy functions, toilet training, Self-Control sion
v Shame & muscular control, walking
Doubt
3. Initiative Phallic preschool / family / explor Purpose and Ruthlessness / Inhibit
v Guilt ation and discovery, Direction ion
adventure and play
4. Industry Latency schoolchild / school, Competence and Narrow
v Inferiority teachers, friends, Method Virtuosity / Inertia
neighbourhood / achievem
ent and accomplishment
5. Identity v Puberty adolescent / peers, groups, Fidelity and Fanaticism / Repudia
Role and influences /resolving Devotion tion
Confusion Genitality identity and direction,
becoming a grown-up
6. Intimacy (Genitality young adult / lovers, Love and Promiscuity / Exclusi
v Isolation ) friends, work Affiliation vity
connections / intimate
relationships, work and
social life
7. n/a mid-adult / children, Care and Overextension / Reje
Generativit community /'giving back', Production ctivity
yv helping, contributing
Stagnation
8. Integrity n/a late adult / society, the Wisdom and Presumption / Disdai
v Despair world, life /meaning and Renunciation
purpose, life achievements
The first stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development occurs between birth and
one year of age and is the most fundamental stage in life.2
Because an infant is utterly dependent, the development of trust is based on the
dependability and quality of the child’s caregivers.
If a child successfully develops trust, he or she will feel safe and secure in the world.
Caregivers who are inconsistent, emotionally unavailable, or rejecting contribute to feelings of
mistrust in the children they care for. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief
that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.
Psychosocial 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.2
Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of this process. However,
Erikson's reasoning was quite different then that of Freud's. Erikson believe that learning to
control one’s body 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.
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.
Psychosocial Stage 3 - Initiative vs. Guilt
During the preschool years, children begin to assert their power and control over the
world through directing play and other social interaction.
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.3
Psychosocial Stage 4 - Industry vs. Inferiority
This stage covers the early school years from approximately age 5 to 11.
Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their
accomplishments and abilities.
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 ability to be successful.
Psychosocial Stage 5 - Identity vs. Confusion
During adolescence, children are exploring their independence and developing 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 a feeling of
independence and control. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will insecure
and confused about themselves and the future.
sychosocial Stage 6 - Intimacy vs. Isolation
This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people 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 develop relationships that are
committed and secure.
Remember that each step builds on skills learned in previous steps. Erikson believed that
a strong sense of personal identity was important to 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 suffer emotional isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Psychosocial Stage 7 - Generativity vs. Stagnation
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.
Psychosocial Stage 8 - Integrity vs. Despair
This phase occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life.
Those who are unsuccessful during this phase will feel that their life has been wasted and
will experience many regrets. The individual 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 attain wisdom, even when confronting death.
