Infancy, the first 18 months, is important to an individual's psychological development. Through

love, and nurturing the individual gains confidence. If it is unreliable, the conclusion may be fear and mistrust A balance of both allows the individual a since if being open, but aware of the potential of danger. The mother or primary caregiver is key to this stage of development.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt: 2-3 years.

Discovering the body and gaining independence is important during this stage. Children should be encouraged to explore, stretch limits, discover things. If over criticized or controlled,

this can lead to self-doubt and shame. A good balance will lead to autonomy and adequacy. Both parents are key in this stage.

Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt: 4-5 years.

During preschool, we learn to assert ourselves. We explore interpersonal skills and push our will upon others. If we are made to feel bad about our interest through increased criticism, a

the side of guilt can develop. If questions are discouraged one can feel like a nuisance and limit their interactions with others. Entire Family plays a role in this stage.

Stage 4: Industry vs inferiority: 5-12 years

During this stage, one discovers their own interest and realizes that we are different from others.

If positive feedback/ recognition is received from peer groups and in social interactions, the individuals will become motivated/ hardworking, competence with increased self-esteem. overly criticized, one can lose motivation and feel inferior. Winning approval is the motivating

factor in this stage, but learning to fail is also crucial. Schools, teachers, and neighbors are important at this stage.

Stage 5: Identity vs Role Confusion: Adolescence

This stage is critical to our sense of who we are and critical for adult years. During this time, we explore beliefs, goals, and values during our search for personal identity. We learn that

we have different social roles and have an identity crisis. If parents give the appropriate support and

encourage exploration one can increase independence and find a stronger side of identity. One is made to conform to their parents views, they can feel lost and misunderstood. Peers and role models are key.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs Isolation: Young Adult

Motivation to explore personal relationships and a desire to form intimate long term commitments outside of our family become important. Young adults let go of relationships we

build to fit in and ask ourselves if we can love. If we are able to make a long term commitment or develop relationships we might feel lonely or depressed. If the individual has a poor since of

self, isolation builds. Trends and partners are central in this stage

Stage 7: Generativity vs Stagnation: 40- 65 years

Need for longevity arises. It becomes important to make a mark on society. It could be though something physical or through our children. Success and being productive become valuable. What has been achieved, our children, and relationships are our markers of success.

If it is felt that little impact has been made, it can be looked at as a failure.

Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair: 65 years to Death

This is the stage of reflection and reviewing the accomplishments of our lives. Success in this

stage is achievement of goals and happiness. This leads to wholeness and peace. Failure is experienced despair and regret of a life unfulfilled. Bitter and frightened to leave a life without fulfillment.

There have been critiques of Erikson’s theory, mainly because it focuses “so heavily on stages and assuming that the completion of one stage is prerequisite for the next crisis of development” (Baird, 2019). 

The successful completion of each stage allows the individual to gain the skills and abilities to adequately function in the current stage of life and the tools to handle the next stage.  Failure in any of these stages, will leave the individual ill equipped to handle the next phase with the appropriate tools.

friends, and the other is able to speak freely about things that concern her behind her computer on her channel. The focus of her online channel is her experiences or lack thereof at school, but from a made up perspective. 

Stage 4: By doing this, she gains the positive interactions that she craves, but that she doesn't receive from her interactions at school, and she feels inferior at school due to her lack of acceptance and her perceived social status. 

Erik H. Erikson- Erikson Institute’s Namesake. Erikson Institute. (2022, June 17). Retrieved October 25, 2023 from https://www.erikson.edu/about/history/erik-erikson/

O’Neil, A., & Baird, A. (2019, September 9). Psychosocial theory. Always Developing. Retrieved October 25, 2023 from https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/alwaysdeveloping/chapter/psychosocial-theory/