1. Theory of Development (first 5 stages)
Erik Erikson
Theory of Development
(first 5 stages)

2. Background of E.E.
Erik was born in 1902, and died in It is believed that his childhood was the inspiration for developing the theory--his mother concealed his father’s identity from him until his teens (he had some issues!).
Erik believed that every human being goes through 8 social stages to reach his or her full development, beginning at birth and progressing to death.
Each stage contains a “crisis” or “conflict” that must be resolved in a positive or negative way.
The result of each stage will dictate how a person behaves socially/psychologically.

3. Stage One: Trust vs. Mistrust
Average Age: Birth through One
POSITIVE outcome: The
child develops trust
in others.
NEGATIVE outcome:
The child develops mistrust in others
The degree to which a child comes to trust others depends on the quality of care that he/she receives.

4. Stage Two: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Average Age: 2 through 3 years.
POSITIVE outcome: The child develops independence, is able to do basic self-care tasks for themselves (autonomy).
NEGATIVE outcome: The
child develops a need for
others to do everything for
them (doubt) and is
ashamed of their own
lack of ability (shame).

5. Stage Three: Initiative vs. Guilt
Average Age: 4 to 5 years
POSITIVE outcome: A child develops confidence in his/her own ability to decide on activities and passions (initiative).
NEGATIVE outcome: A child
feels guilty for doing
something their parents/
peers/caregivers did not
instigate (guilt).

6. Stage Four: Industry vs. Inferiority
Average Age: 6 to 11 years (elementary school)
POSITIVE outcome: A child develops confidence that they are able to participate and succeed in all school assigned activities if they work hard (industry).
NEGATIVE outcome: A child
develops the feeling that no
matter how hard they try,
they will not succeed in any
school assigned activity, no
matter how hard they work.
(inferiority)

7. Stage Five: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Average Age: years
POSITIVE outcome: A person knows what they want to be, what they believe in, and who they are--AND are allowed to act on this knowledge.
NEGATIVE outcome: A person
is told what to be, what to
believe in, and who they
are by a parent/other adult--
and are very, very confused!!!

8. Stages 6-8...not so important to us, but what they are just FYI!
Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Stage 7: Generativity
vs. Stagnation
Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair