Erikson

Trust vs. Distrust

Infancy (Birth-18 months)

Children develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. A lack of this will lead to mistrust.

Erikson

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Early Childhood (2-3 years)

Children develp a sense of personal control and independence. Success leads to feelings of autonomy, failure results in feelings of shame and doubt.

Erikson

Initiative vs. Guilt

Preschool (3-5 years)

Children begin asserting control and power of the environment, leading to a sense of purpose. Children who try to exert too much power experience diapproval, resulting in a sense of guilt.

Erikson

Industry vs. Inferority

School Age (6-11 years)

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

Erikson

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Adolescence (12-18 years)

Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to th an ability to stay true to yourself, while failture leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.

Erikson

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Young Adulthood (19-40 years)

Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.

Erikson

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Middle Adulthood (40-65 years)

Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them.  Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

Erikson

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Maturity (65-death)

Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment. Success at this age leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair.