Erik Erikson's Eight Stages of Development
Stage (age)
Psycho-social
dialectic
Primary activity
Significant
Relationships
Favorable
Outcome
0 to 1
Trust vs. Mistrust
Consistent stable
care from parents Main care-giver
Trust and
optimism
2 to 3
Autonomy vs.
Doubt
Consistent stable
care from parents Parents
Sense of
autonomy and self-
esteem
4 to 5
Initiative vs. Guilt
Environmental
exploration
Basic family
Self-direction and
purpose
6 to puberty
Industry vs.
Inferiority
Knowledge
acquisition
Family, neighbors,
and school
Sense of
competence and
achievement
Adolescence
Identity vs.
Confusion
Coherent vocation
and personality
Peers, in- and out-
groups
Integrated self-
image
Early adulthood
Intimacy vs.
Isolation
Deep and lasting
relationships
Friends and
lovers; competition
and cooperation
ability to
experience love
and commitment
Middle adulthood
Generativity vs.
Self-absorption
Productive and
creative
engagement in
society
Divided labor and
shared household
responsibilities
Concern for family,
society and future
generations
Late adulthood
Integrity vs.
Despair
Life review and
evaluation
Humankind and
extended family
Sense of
satisfaction;
acceptance of
death