every age every stage
Center For Counseling
Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist who proposed a theory of psychosocial development, which consists of eight stages that individuals go through across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial crisis or challenge that must be resolved in order for the individual to develop a healthy sense of self and move on to the next stage.
Below is an overview of Erikson's eight stages of development:
1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 year): In this stage, infants learn to trust their caregivers to
provide for their basic needs. If caregivers are responsive and consistent, infants develop a
sense of trust. If caregivers are unresponsive or inconsistent, infants may develop a sense of
mistrust.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood, 1-3 years): In this stage, children begin to
assert their independence and control over their environment. If caregivers are supportive
and allow for reasonable levels of autonomy, children develop a sense of self-confidence and
autonomy. If caregivers are overly controlling or critical, children may develop a sense of
shame and doubt about their abilities.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-6 years): In this stage, children begin to take on more
responsibility and initiate activities. If caregivers encourage children's exploration and
initiative, children develop a sense of purpose and direction. If caregivers discourage
exploration and initiative, children may develop a sense of guilt and inadequacy.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age, 6-12 years): In this stage, children begin to develop a
sense of competence and mastery in academic and social domains. If children experience
success and recognition for their efforts, they develop a sense of industry. If they experience
failure or criticism, they may develop a sense of inferiority.
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years): In this stage, adolescents begin to
explore and develop their identities. If they are successful in establishing a clear sense of self,
they develop a sense of identity. If they experience confusion or uncertainty about their
identity, they may experience role confusion.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 18-40 years): In this stage, young adults begin to
form close relationships with others. If they are successful in forming intimate relationships,
they develop a sense of intimacy. If they are unsuccessful or avoid intimacy, they may
experience feelings of isolation.\
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years): In this stage, adults focus on
contributing to society and making a meaningful impact on future generations. If they are
successful in achieving generativity, they develop a sense of fulfillment and purpose. If they
are unable to contribute or feel stagnant, they may experience feelings of stagnation.
8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65+ years): In this stage, older adults reflect on their
lives and evaluate their accomplishments. If they feel satisfied with their achievements and
have a sense of integrity, they develop a sense of wisdom and acceptance. If they feel regret
or disappointment, they may experience feelings of despair.
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