1. Erik Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial/Personality Development
Life is a series of 8 stages from birth to death
Must meet challenge of each stage.
How you meet the challenge affects personality development.
Development is a life-long process rather than coming to completion at puberty (Piaget)

2. Stage 1: Trust & Mistrust Birth to One Years Old
Love, affection and stable environment result in security.
Security allows babies to trust others.
Mistreated, abused or neglected environments= mistrust or fear in others

3. Stage 2: Autonomy & Doubt Ages One to Three
Autonomy: having free will or choice (having control over your own body)
Prepares us to control our body and emotions as adults
Seek to control self & environment (Saying NO!)
Toilet training, selection of clothing, control tantrums

4. Stage 3: Initiative & Guilt Ages Three to Five
Favorite word changes from NO! to WHY!?!
Kids want to understand the world, take initiative (ask many questions!)
Practice making independent decisions
Master peer relationships and language.
Activities = lots of fantasy play
If not encouraged, self-initiated efforts (curiosity) later are a source of embarrassment

5. Stage 4: Industry & Inferiority Ages Six to Eleven
Life has expanded from the home to include school (first time work is evaluated)
Develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments & abilities (industry)
Strive to master new skills, those who can’t may see themselves as a “failure”
No encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers, will cause doubt in their ability to be successful for the rest of their lives
Vital in the development of self-confidence

6. Stage 5: Identity & Identity Confusion Ages 12 to 18
Build sense of personal identity
Who are we most comfortable being?
Developing a sense of direction in life
Unsure of beliefs = insecure & confused about the future (leads to identity crisis)

7. Stage 6: Intimacy & Isolation Ages 19 to 35
Work to build intimacy (close, sharing relationship) and mutual caring.
Marriage and children.
Poor sense of self; less committed relationships (isolation, loneliness, depression)

8. Stage 7: Generativity & Stagnation Ages 35 to 50
Contributing something lasting to the world, guiding the next generation
Raise children, be involved in activities, community service.
Unable to contribute = boredom, restlessness, feeling that life is useless (midlife crisis)

9. Stage 8: Integrity & Despair Ages 50 and Up
Integrity: having moral values
Reflect on accomplishments to decide if we are satisfied or not
If content, can offer wisdom and insight to others
No integrity or disappointed = despair

10. Summary No one moves through all 8 stages without some struggles
Successes should outnumber the failures.
Can become stuck in a stage.
Conquering the struggle to create a healthy personality is what makes life satisfying.