Theories Psychosocial Psychology The 8 Stages of Human Development By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial process Kendra Cherry Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on November 29, 2019 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of the Mentally Strong People podcast. Learn about our Review Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on January 14, 2020 Print The theory of psychosocial development created by Erik Erikson is one of the best-known personality theories. The theory differs from many others in that it addresses development across the entire lifespan, from birth through death. At each stage, the individual deals with a conflict that serves as a turning point in development. When the conflict is resolved successfully, the person is able to develop the psychosocial quality associated with that particular stage of development. Learn about each psychosocial stage, including the conflict confronted and the major events that occur during each point of development. Stage 1: Trust Versus Mistrust Hero Images / Getty Images Trust versus mistrust is the earliest psychosocial stage that occurs during the first year or so of a child's life. During this critical phase of development, an infant is utterly dependent upon his or her caregivers. When parents or caregivers respond to a child's needs in a consistent and caring manner, the child then learns to trust the world and the people around him. Trust vs. Mistrust: Learning to Trust the World Around Us Stage 2: Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt Tara Moore / Taxi / Getty Images The second psychosocial stage involves the conflict between autonomy and shame or doubt. As the child enters the toddler years, gaining a greater sense of personal control becomes increasingly important. Tasks such as learning how to use the toilet, selecting foods and choosing toys are ways that children gain a greater sense of independence. Learn to Become Self-Reliant in Psychosocial Stage 2 Stage 3: Initiative Versus Guilt Peter Cade / The Image Bank / Getty Images The third psychosocial stage is known as initiative versus guilt and occurs between the ages of about three and five. This stage is centered on developing a sense of self-initiative. Children who are allowed and encouraged to engage in self-directed play emerge with a sense of strong initiative, while those who are discouraged may begin to feel a sense of guilt over their self-initiated activities. How Children Develop a Sense of Initiative Stage 4: Industry Versus Inferiority MoMo Productions / Stone / Getty Images During middle childhood between the ages of about six and eleven, children enter the psychosocial stage known as industry versus inferiority. As children engage in social interaction with friends and academic activities at school, they begin to develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work and abilities. Children who are praised and encouraged to develop a sense of competence. Those who are discouraged are left with a sense of inferiority. Influential Theories About How Children Grow and Develop Stage 5: Identity Versus Confusion Tony Anderson / The Image Bank / Getty Images In the fifth psychosocial stage is centered on identity versus role confusion. At this point in development, the formation of a personal identity becomes critical. During adolescence, teens explore different behaviors, roles, and identities. Erikson believed that this stage was particularly crucial and that forging a strong identity serves as a basis for finding future direction in life. Those who find a sense of identity feel secure, independent and ready to face the future, while those who remain confused may feel lost, insecure and unsure of their place in the world. Testing Out Different Identities in Teenage Development Stage 6: Intimacy Versus Isolation Tim Robberts / The Image Bank / Getty Images The sixth psychosocial stage is centered on intimacy versus isolation is focuses on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Dating, marriage, family, and friendships are important during the intimacy versus isolation stage, which lasts from approximate age 19 to 40. By successfully forming loving relationships with other people, individuals are able to experience love and enjoy intimacy. Those who fail to form lasting relationships may feel isolated and alone. Intimacy vs. Isolation: Forming Intimate Relationships Stage 7: Generativity Versus Stagnation Kevin Kozicki / Cultura / Getty Images Once adults enter the generativity versus stagnation stage that occurs during middle adulthood, the psychosocial conflict becomes centered on the need to create or nurture things that will outlast the individual. Raising a family, working, and contributing to the community are all ways that people develop a sense of purpose. Those who fail to find ways to contribute may feel disconnected and useless. Characteristics of Generativity and Stagnation Stage 8: Integrity Versus Despair Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend Images / Getty Images The final psychosocial stage is known as integrity versus despair and it begins around the age of 65 and lasts until death. During this period of time, the individual looks back on his or her life. The major question during this stage is, "Did I live a meaningful life?" Those who have will feel a sense of peace, wisdom, and fulfillment, even when facing death. For those who look back on life with bitterness and regret, feelings of despair may result. Integrity vs. Despair in Psychosocial Development Theory Criticisms of Psychosocial Theory One major criticism of the psychosocial stage theory is that these stages do not necessarily follow a sequential order. People can experience these developmental changes and challenges at different points in their lives. For example, the challenges of intimacy versus isolation are not just restricted to the period of early adulthood; these are issues that can affect people all throughout life and even well into old age. Challenges to identity can also take place well outside of the teen years. People are growing, changing, and learning at all stages of life. A Word From Verywell It is important to remember that Erikson's theory of psychosocial development represents just one theoretical framework to describe how development takes place. While research has shown support for some aspects of the stages, such as the importance of involvement in work, relationships, and community, this does not mean that every aspect of the theory is a fact. However, these stages can be a helpful way to think about how people change through life and some of the typical challenges that they may face at different points in their lives. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Ever wonder what your personality type means? Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Malone JC, Liu SR, Vaillant GE, Rentz DM, Waldinger RJ. Midlife Eriksonian psychosocial development: Setting the stage for late-life cognitive and emotional health. Dev Psychol. 2016;52(3):496–508. doi:10.1037/a0039875