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Child development theories were not given much consideration up until the early 20th century
-Children were seen as little adults
-There were no real studies looking into how children develop cognitively, physically, or in regard to their language development

When child development studies did begin to emerge, they were mainly focused on children displaying abnormal behaviors
-Eventually, this grew into the entire field we know today as Child Development

It is important that this field began to be studied, and even more important that it continues to be studied for the sake of fully understanding the cognitive, physical, lingual, emotional, educational, and social growth and development of children from birth to adulthood

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The Stages:
1. Trust vs. Mistrust
- Birth-18mo.
-Most fundamental stage of life
-Infant depends on trustworthy adults to fully care for them and meet their needs. If the adults (usually parents) in the infants life fail to meet these needs, it causes a lack of trust in adults for the child.
*Ex: Feeding; Outcome = Hope

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- 18mo.-3 years
-Children are developing a greater sense of independence and control
-By allowing children to do things by themselves, they aid in the development of the children's autonomy. Children who fail at this stage develop feelings of doubt and shame.
*Ex: Toilet training; Outcome = Will

3. Initiative vs. Guilt
- 3-5 years
-Children begin to assert their power through directing play and other social interactions
-Success at this stage builds confidence and leadership qualities emerge; those who exert too much power are subject to disapproval by those around them.
*Ex: Exploration; Outcome = Purpose

4. Industry vs. Inferiority
- 6-11 years
-Children begin to develop a sense of pride in the goals they accomplish. When children of this age feel supported by the adults in their lives (parents, teachers, other family members) they begin to believe in themselves and feel competent of completing tasks in life. Those who do not have this support doubt their abilities to be successful.
*Ex: School; Outcome = Confidence

5. Identity vs. Confusion
- 12-18 years
-Teens begin to develop their own sense of personal identity. Appropriate encouragement of independence and reinforcement by adults in the teen's life will produce a child with a positive self-worth, and sense of autonomy. Those who don't receive this will remain unsure of themselves, and are more likely to be insecure and less confident.
*Ex: Social Relationships; Outcome = Fidelity

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation
- 18-40 years
-This stage involves the exploration of radiance and relationships. Success at the previous stage is closely tied to this stage as those who are confident in themselves and know their self-worth will often set high standards and begin healthy relationships. Those who failed the previous stage are more likely to find themselves lonely, or in unhealthy relationships because of a lack of self-worth.
*Ex: Relationships; Outcome = Love

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation
- 40-65 years
-This stage involves people creating things that will outlast them (children, generational wealth, legacy). Those who are successful will feel they have made a healthy contribution to society by raising a family they are proud of. Those who are unsuccessful feel unproductive in this stage.
*Ex: Work and Parenthood; Outcome = Care

8. Integrity vs. Dispair
- 65 years-death
-This stage involves individuals reflecting back on their life they have lived. People will seek fulfillment, and this leads to feelings of wisdom. Those who fail at this stage feel regretful and bitter.
*Ex: Reflection on Life; Outcome = Wisdom

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Developed by ego psychologist, Erik Erikson
-Was impacted by Sigmund Freud, but differed as he focused on the psychosexual and Erikson's focus was on the psychosocial
-He also believed that people develop throughout life in stages
-His interest was in how social experiences shaped a persons development

Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory is based on the Epigenetic Principle, which states people grow in a sequence that occurs over time and in the context or a larger community

Conflict During Each Stage
-Stages are built on the idea that a person will face a conflict and either develop a psychological quality, or fail to develop this quality
-Failure may mean that a person would not develop the essential skills needed to develop a strong sense of self
-Each stage builds on the previous

Criticism of Theory
-The theory fails to detail exactly what type of experiences are necessary at each stage in order to successfully resolve the conflicts and move to the next stage

Support of Theory
-Researchers have found evidence supporting Erikson's ideas about identity and have further identified different sub-stages of identity formation. Some research also suggests that people who form strong personal identities during adolescence are better capable of forming intimate relationships during early adulthood. Other research suggests, however, that identity formation and development continues well into adulthood.