Erik Erikson’s 8 Stages of Human Development
Erik Erikson’s 8 Stages of Human Development
Each stage has a conflict between inner needs and outside social demands.
Failure to resolve conflict at any given stage can result in a disorder or a major
life stressor.
Erik Erikson’s Stage 1
Birth to 1 year
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 1
Trust vs. mistrustSense of trust/security and optimism-
achieved through parental gratification of needs (love and feeding) and affection.
Important event: Feeding
Erik Erikson’s Stage 2
1-2 years
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 2
Autonomy v. Shame and Doubt
Sense of autonomy/independence-achieved as child begins to see self as individual apart
from his/her parents. Development of physical skills.
Important event: Toilet training
Erik Erikson’s Stage 3
3-5 years
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 3
Initiative v. guilt
Sense of initiative-achieved as child begins to imitate adult behavior and extends control of
the world around him/her.
Important event: Independence
Erik Erikson’s Stage 3
Initiative v. guilt
Sense of initiative-achieved as child begins to imitate adult behavior and extends control of the
world around him/her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCCH9wubemk&feature=fvw
Erik Erikson’s Stage 4
6-puberty
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 4
Industry v. inferiority
Sense of duty and accomplishment-achieved as the child lays aside fantasy and play and begins to
undertake tasks and schoolwork. Important event: School
Erik Erikson’s Stage 5
Adolescence
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 5
Identity v. Confusion
Sense of identity-achieved as one clarifies sense of self and what he/she believes in.
Important event: Peer relationships
Erik Erikson’s Stage 6
Early adulthood
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 6
Intimacy v. Isolation
Ability to form close and lasting relationships; to make career commitments.
Important event: Love relationships
Erik Erikson’s Stage 7
Middle adulthood
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 7
Generativity v. stagnation (Absorption)
Concern for family, society, and future generations.
Important event: Parenting
Erik Erikson’s Stage 8
Late adulthood
What is the social conflict?
Erik Erikson’s Stage 8
Integrity v. despair
A sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with one’s life; willingness to face death.
Important event: Reflection on and acceptance of one’s life.