Erikson’s Stages of Development
Erik Erikson, a German psychoanalyst heavily influenced by Sigmund Freud, explored three aspects of identity: the ego identity (self), personal identity (the personal idiosyncrasies that distinguish a person from another, social/cultural identity (the collection of social roles a person might play).
Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development considers the impact of external factors, parents and society on personality development from childhood to adulthood. According to Erikson’s theory, every person must pass through a series of eight interrelated stages over the entire life cycle.
Infant (Hope) – Basic Trust vs. Mistrust
Toddler (Will) – Autonomy vs. Shame
Preschooler (Purpose) – Initiative vs. Guilt
School-Age Child (Competence) – Industry vs. Inferiority
Adolescent (Fidelity) – Identity vs. Identity Diffusion
Young Adult (Love) – Intimacy vs. Isolation
Middle-aged Adult (Care) – Generativity vs. Self-absorption
Older Adult (Wisdom) – Integrity vs. Despair