Infancy (Conception - 18 months)

Basic conflict:

Trust vs. Mistrust

Needs:

The infant is completely dependent on the caregiver. Feeding and comfort must be achieved in order for the patient to develop a sense of trust. A lack of reliability, care, and affection leads to mistrust.

The general question is "Is my world safe?"

Early childhood (2 years old - 3 years old)

Basic conflict:

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Needs:

The child is beginning to gain a bit of independence, being able to perform basic tasks. In order for the child to have developed a greater sense of personal control, the caregiver must have him or her potty-trained. This is due to the confidence that is obtained from gaining control over basic bodily functions. With the same reasoning, dressing and choosing what food to eat also assists in achieving this sense of autonomy. Children who struggle and are shamed for their accidents develop feelings of shame and doubt.

The general question is "Am I capable of doing things by myself or must I always rely on others?"

Preschool (3 years old - 5 years old)

Basic conflict:

Initiative vs. Guilt

Needs:

The child needs to begin asserting control and power over their environment. Success in exerting control leads to a sense of purpose, whereas exerting too much control and power leads to disapproval, which causes the child to experience feelings of guilt.

The general question is "Am I good or bad?"

School age (6 years old - 11 years old)

Basic conflict:

Industry vs. Inferiority

Needs:

At this age, the child begins to feel pride through social interactions towards accomplishments and ability. The child needs to cope with new social and academic demands. Succeeding in this leads to a sense of competence, whereas failure results in a feeling of inferiority.

The general question is "How can I be good?"

Adolescence (12 to 18)

Basic conflict:

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Needs:

Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. During adolescence, children explore their independence and develop a sense of self. Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and feelings of independence and control. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and confused about themselves and the future.

The general question is "Who am I and where am I going?"

Young Adult (19 to 40)

Basic conflict:

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Needs:

The young adult needs to form intimate, loving relationships. Success leads to secure and close relationships, whereas failure leads to loneliness and isolation, as this is the stage where the patient is most invested in personal relationships.

The general question is "Am I loved and wanted?"

Middle adulthood (40 years old - 65 years old)

Basic conflict:

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Needs:

Adults need to create things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

The general question is "Will I provide something of real value?"

Maturity (65 years old - death)

Basic conflict:

Integrity vs. Despair

Needs:

The senior will look back and reflect on their lives, and feel a sense of fulfillment. Success in this stage will feel peaceful, and ready to end their lives with a sense of peace. Failure in this stage, however, leads the patient to be fearful and despairing of ending their life without having accomplished what they wanted or needed to.

The general question is "Have I lived a fulfilling life?"