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.