Erikson’s Psychological Stages

Question 1

Infancy: birth to 18 months

Answer 1

Trust vs mistrust

Virtue: hope

Trust in others

Pathological outcomes: psychosis, addictions, depression

Question 2

Early childhood: 18 months to 3 years

Answer 2

Autonomy vs self-doubt

Virtue: will
Self care skills and demand for more choices

Pathological outcomes: paranoia, obsessions, compulsions, impulsivity

Question 3

Late childhood: 3 to 6 years

Answer 3

Initiative vs guilt

Virtue: purpose

Assertiveness and aggressiveness

Pathological outcomes: conversion disorder, phobias, psychosomatic disorder

Question 4

School age: 6 to 12 years

Answer 4

Industry vs inferiority

Virtue: competence
Cultural skills and norms; competence

Pathological outcomes: inertia, creative inhibition

Question 5

Adolescence: 12 to 20 years

Answer 5

Identity vs role confusion

Virtue: fidelity

Love and intimate relationships

Outcomes: delinquency, gender-related identity disorders, borderline psychotic episodes

Question 6

Young adulthood: 20 to 30 years

Answer 6

Intimacy vs isolation
Virtue: love

Development of self’s search for values

Outcomes: schizoid personality

Question 7

Adulthood: 30 to 65 years

Answer 7

Generativity vs stagnation

Virtue: care

Focus on occupational success and creativity

Outcomes: midlife crisis, premature invalidism

Question 8

Old age: 65 years to death

Answer 8

Ego integrity vs despair
Virtue: wisdom

Self-acceptance and wisdom. Positive knowledge learned

Outcomes: extreme alienation, despair