Erikson describes 8 different stages of development: Trust v. Mistrust, Autonomy v. Shame, Initiative v. Guilt, Industry v. Inferiority, Identity v. Role confusion, Intimacy v. Isolation, Generativity v. Stagnation, and Ego Integrity v. Despair. Each of these stages focuses on a different age group, and which psychosocial aspect of their life is developing most prominently at that time. It also gives good milestones to look for and describes what could influence a child to behave in certain ways.

Erikson’s different stages are based on the needs of the individual vs. the needs of society. This is where the term “psychosocial” comes from. Psycho, is the needs of the individual, and social, is the needs of society. These stages take place during one’s entire life- people are ever-changing and growing.

In summary, you go through different crises throughout life, in different stages correlating to your age, which influences how you develop. These stages are based on the needs of the individual and the needs of/relationships with society.

Here is how each stage relates to the needs of the society/relationships v. the individual:

Trust v. Mistrust- This is where the individual is forming their most important relationships. During this stage, they will develop confidence in their close relationships and the world around them.

Autonomy v. Shame- Children in this stage are trying to figure out how and if they fit into society. They learn how they can be useful, and what things they can accomplish alone.

Initiative v. Guilt- Children learn how to get the things that they want within this stage. Children who are unable to flourish during this time will be unable to take big strides within their relationships or in society.

Industry v. Inferiority- Relationships become incredibly important during this stage. Children will learn how to interact with members of society.

Identity v. Role confusion- Teenagers go through this stage as they figure out truly how they fit into society. When they can figure out their place and purpose, they have more positive relationships and interactions with people. This stage is key to developing functioning members of society.

Intimacy v. Isolation- This stage is very focused on the “social” of psychosocial, as it is centered around relationships. This is when we see adults searching for strong relationships- both platonic and romantic.

Generativity v. Stagnation- This stage is focused on the societal side of “social” within psychosocial. People in this stage focus on “making their mark”, or giving back to society however they see fit.

Ego Integrity v. Despair- This stage is very reflective, centering around the “psycho” of psychosocial. During this stage, people will look back on the past stages of their lives. They reflect on their accomplishments and their service to society.

At what age does psychosocial development stop?

1. 15 years old
2. 23 years old
3. 70 years old
4. Never

Fill in the blanks: the term psychosocial comes from the needs of the _____ (psycho) alongside the needs of the _____ (social)

1. Individual, society
2. Society, individual
3. Person, their parents
4. Teachers, parents

What separates each stage of development?

1. A child's test scores
2. GPA during elementary, middle, and high school
3. Age
4. Gender

Read more: https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html