Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

In the 1950s, Erik Erikson, a psychoanalyst, expanded on Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychosexual development—the idea that personality develops as each person works through five stages in childhood. Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development included eight stages, spanning the entire human lifespan, not just childhood.

According to Erikson’s theory, at each stage we face a developmental “crisis” that shapes our personality. If you don’t resolve a conflict, you still move along to the next stage. However, you might continue to wrestle with the unresolved issue throughout life.

• Stage 1: Trust vs. mistrust
• Stage 2: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
• Stage 3: Initiative vs. guilt
• Stage 4: Industry vs. inferiority
• Stage 5: Identity vs. role confusion
• Stage 6: Intimacy vs. isolation
• Stage 7: Generativity vs. stagnation
• Stage 8: Integrity vs. despair

Although it has its limitations, the theory can provide a framework for thinking about personal growth and fostering self-awareness. Explore the stages below and learn how they shape key traits such as trust, self-doubt, and confidence.

Stage 1: Trust vs. mistrust

Starting in infancy, the first stage focuses on establishing a sense of trust (or distrust) in those around you. If your parents or other caregivers offer reliable affection and support, you feel safe and secure. You learn to engage the world and future relationships with a similar level of trust. The opposite can also occur. Parents who are unreliable or inconsistent can lead you to feel doubtful about others’ reliability and their intentions

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

In early childhood, you’re old enough to start doing things for yourself, such as walking around, going to the bathroom, or pointing out clothes that you want to be dressed in. If your parents encourage you to be independent, your confidence grows, and you feel comfortable with that autonomy. On the other hand, if your parents are controlling or overbearing, you begin to doubt your own abilities.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. guilt

By preschool, you might be able to initiate activities, such as playing with siblings or making attempts to help clean up messes. You can also make choices, such as what types of games you want to play. If this type of behavior is supported and personal control encouraged, you begin to feel comfortable taking the lead. If you’re not supported, you develop a sense of guilt and are less likely to take action in the future.

Stage 4: Industry vs. inferiority

Starting around age 6 or 7, you begin to learn many new skills at home and in school. Successes can make you feel proud, eager to learn more, and confident in your ability to build skills. If you’re made to feel like your efforts aren’t good enough, you start to feel inferior to your peers and question whether you can improve.

Stage 5: Identity vs. role confusion

The teenage years are crucial for developing your identity and determining what you want to do with your life. When you’re allowed to explore different ideas and role possibilities, your sense of self becomes clearer. Otherwise, you feel confused about your direction in life and uncertain about what your values and beliefs really are.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. isolation

As a young adult, as you enter college or the workforce, you likely have more opportunities than ever to connect with peers and mentors on your own terms. You are also emotionally mature enough to nurture meaningful relationships. Building strong connections with friends, family, or romantic partners enhances your sense of belonging. On the other hand, avoiding connections or feeling like they’re unsafe can lead to loneliness and isolation.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. stagnation

In middle adulthood, you start to think about making a wider, positive impact on society. This might involve efforts such as raising children, mentoring, and performing community service. In other words, you want to leave behind some type of legacy. Without these meaningful activities, you’ll start to question your purpose in life.

Stage 8: Integrity vs. despair

In the later stages of life, you find a period of reflection. If you feel satisfied with your achievements or have some sense of acceptance, you also experience peace. But feelings of regret and putting emphasis on missed opportunities can lead to despair.

Why Erikson’s stages matter

Even if you don’t think they’re entirely accurate, the stages can serve as a framework for understanding how personal growth can progress as you age. Erikson’s theory can also help you imagine how unresolved conflicts might resurface later in life. The framework can prove especially useful for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.

For instance, as a parent, you might consider the link between being reliably present for a newborn and helping them develop a sense of security later in life. Or perhaps if you struggle with low self-confidence, a therapist might help you explore how the issue relates back to pre-teen events in psychodynamic therapy sessions.

Criticisms and limitations

Although Erikson’s theory offers useful insights, critics have pointed out that it has its fair share of limitations. One is that some of the stages may have a Western bias. They don’t account for cultural differences. Similarly, it might have a gendered bias and be more applicable to the typical life concerns and expectations of a man living in Western society.

The framework might also be too rigid. Different people develop in different ways, so a more complex theory might be more useful. For instance, a person with a personality disorder or a child with a condition like autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder will likely face different milestones as they age.

Finally, the framework might not fully account for the fact that people commonly experience setbacks. For instance, a sudden divorce in midlife can lead to loneliness, and job loss or financial crises can make a person feel inferior or unstable in their identity.

Applying Erikson’s theory in everyday life

When applied to everyday life, Erikson’s therapy allows you to reflect on personal growth roadblocks. For example, if you’re feeling lost in midlife, you might reflect on stage 7, and the ways in which you want to bring about positive change in the world. Or perhaps stage 6 allows you to understand where your feelings of loneliness are coming from, so you can look for ways to build intimacy.

Understanding the theory can also enhance your relationships. If you’re caring for a baby, the framework encourages you to provide consistent care and affection so they feel secure later in life. Or if you’re caring for an aging parent, knowing that they’re likely grappling with acceptance and regret can make you a more compassionate caregiver.

Simply put, by understanding the stages and applying the framework, you can gain deeper insights into your own strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. You also learn how to better support your loved ones in their personal journeys.