290 Unit 3 Infancy
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Figure 10.10
Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
Approximate Age Stage
Infancy
(Birth to 1 year)
Trust versus mistrust. Newborns and infants need consistency in having their
needs met and sameness in environment to develop a feeling the world is
reliable—a sense of basic trust. If the world is not seen as a reliable place, the
baby develops a sense of basic mistrust.
Toddler years
(1 to 3 years)
Autonomy versus shame and doubt. Toddlers seek some autonomy so
they can use their new skills and knowledge. They seek control over whether
to rely on others as they see fit. Autonomy learned in this stage leads to pride.
Failure to achieve autonomy leads to feelings of shame in front of others and
self-doubt.
Preschool years
(3 through 5 years)
Initiative versus guilt. Preschool children have growing abilities, much energy,
and desire to engage in activities. They begin trying things on their own
initiative. The sense of initiative learned at this stage leads to ambition and
purpose. Too many failures and too many negative responses from adults lead
to guilt and fear of trying new activities.
School-age years
(6 through 12 years)
Industry versus inferiority. Middle childhood is the time for developing the
tools of society in preparation for adult work. If children are encouraged to
use these tools, they develop a sense of industry. If too little is expected or if
children are criticized for their efforts, a sense of inferiority develops. Inferiority
results in poor work habits, avoidance of competition, and the inability to cope
with later tasks.
Adolescence
(13 through 18 years or older)
Identity versus role confusion. Teens confront the question, “Who am I?”
Role identity occurs when teens become certain about who they are in terms
of career focus, important attitudes, and values. Role confusion results when
others cannot confirm that teens are who they think they are and where they
are headed.
Young adulthood
(19 through 39 years)
Intimacy versus isolation. Intimacy results when a young adult can “lose and
find him- or herself in another.” Intimacy occurs when the young adult trusts he
or she can surrender self (identity) to another person or relationship. Isolation
occurs if the adult feels others cannot be trusted in an intimate way.
Middle adulthood
(40 through 65 years)
Generativity versus stagnation. Generativity or productivity may be in the
forming of a family, in achieving in one’s career, and/or in providing significant
services to others. This is the adult’s way(s) of contributing to the next
generation. Stagnation or self-absorption occurs when a person becomes
concerned only with self.
Older adulthood
(66 years and older)
Integrity versus despair. If older adults see their lives as unique and
meaningful, they see a picture of a life well-spent. In this way integrity or
the state of feeling complete has been achieved. Despair comes with feelings
of regret about the way one’s life was lived and causes anxiety about the
end of life.