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Erikson believed that individual's personality develops in a series of stages according to their age and social interactions.

Each stage of development presents a conflict. If an individual successfully overcomes the conflict, they build greater psychological strength.

If they fail to overcome the conflict, they may not develop a strong sense of self.

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A criticism of psychosocial theory is its lack of specifics.  There are no guidelines to outline how an individual moves from one stage to the next or what type of experiences are necessary at each stage.

Despite the lack of clarity, psychosocial theory provides a framework for an individual's lifespan and highlights the importances of social relationships.

Researchers have also found evidence to support Erikson's ideas about identity.

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Age: birth - 1.5 years

The first stage of psychosocial development is the most fundamental stage. Infants are dependent on their adult caregivers for everything. If a caregiver does not provide love and care, the infant will not develop trust.

Outcome: If an infant develops trust, they will feel the world is a safe place. If they fail to develop trust they will believe the world is unpredictable.

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Age: 2 - 3 years

During this stage a child develops a sense of personal control and autonomy. Important milestones are gaining control of bodily functions, food choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection.

Outcome: Success during this stage of development leads to feelings of confidence and autonomy. Failure during this stage results in feelings of self doubt. It is necessary for a child to find a balance between the two so they can act with intention and reason.

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Age: 3 - 5 years

During stage three, children begin to assert dominance in social interactions.

Outcome: Children who are successful at stage three are able to lead others and feel a sense of purpose. Children who fail to obtain these skills, develop self-doubt and a lack of initiative.  If a child exerts too much dominance, they will be met with disapproval and feel guilt. When a child finds a balance between individual power and teamwork, they find purpose.

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Age: 6 - 11 years

During this psychosocial stage, children develop pride in  their abilities in relation to social interactions and academic advancements. Children who are emotionally supported and encouraged by their caretakers develop feelings of competence. Children who are not encouraged feel doubt.

Outcome: Children who are successful feel competent and believe they can complete tasks . Children who are not successful feel inferior.

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Age: 12 - 18 years

The fifth stage happens during the teenage years. This stage revolves around personal identity which will continue to influence behavior for the remainder of a person's life.

Outcome: Teens who develop a strong personal identity have confidence and strong sense of self. Teens who fail to develop a strong personal identity have a weak sense of self.

Our identity will constantly change based on new information and experiences. These experiences can help or hinder our identity.

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Age: 19 - 40 years

In stage six, adults form committed relationships with other people.

Outcome: Adults who succeed in intimacy have the ability to form meaningful, secure relationships with others and feel love. Adults who fail at intimacy find themselves isolated.

Having strong personal identity allows an adult to build relationships. Studies have shown a poor sense of self leads to less committed relationships

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Age: 40 -65 years

During this stage adults create long lasting impacts in their environment, like children or a career.

Outcome: Success during this stage leads to feelings of accomplishment and contribution. Adults who fail at this stage do not feel productive.

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Age: 65 - death

Outcome: The last stage occurs towards the end of life and focuses on reflection and the quality of life an individual lived. Are happy and fulfilled? Or do they have regret?

Outcome: Success at this stage leads to feelings of peace, wisdom, and a life well lived while failure results in fear, regret, and despair.