Stages by Erik Erikson

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is one of the best-known theories of personality in psychology. Much like Sigmund Freud, Erikson believed that personality develops in a series of stages. 

One of the main elements of Erikson's psychosocial stage theory is the development of ego identity.¹ Ego identity is the conscious sense of self that we develop through social interaction. According to Erikson, our ego identity is constantly changing due to new experiences and information we acquire in our daily interactions with others. In addition to ego identity, Erikson also believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviors and actions. Each stage in Erikson's theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of life. If the stage is handled well, the person will feel a sense of mastery, which is sometimes referred to as ego strength or ego quality.² If the stage is managed poorly, the person will emerge with a sense of inadequacy.

In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in development. In Erikson's view, these conflicts are centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these times, the potential for personal growth is high, but so is the potential for failure.

These Stages Are:

Psychosocial Stage 1 - Trust vs. Mistrust

Psychosocial Stage 2 - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Psychosocial Stage 3 - Initiative vs. Guilt

Psychosocial Stage 4 - Industry vs. Inferiorit

Psychosocial Stage 5 - Identity vs. Confusion

Psychosocial Stage 6 - Intimacy vs. Isolation

Psychosocial Stage 7 - Generativity vs. Stagnation

Psychosocial Stage 8 - Integrity vs. Despair