Erikson's Stages

Question 1

Trust vs. Mistrust

Answer 1

INFANTS (birth -> 18 months)

Trust:
- Meeting nourishment needs
- Feeding, bathing, + comforting child
- Responding to infant cries
- When trust is gained = feeling of security + safety

Mistrust:
- Not meeting infant needs
- Not responding to baby’s crying cues
- Inconsistency when responding to baby
- When mistrust occurs = higher lvls of anxiety

Question 2

Autonomy vs. Shame + Doubt

Answer 2

TODDLERS (18 months -> 3 yrs)

Autonomy:
- Becoming potty trained
- Choosing own clothes
- Dressing themselves
- Food choices
- Allow for independence
- Success @ this stage = allows child to become partially independent

Shame + Doubt:
- Punished for mistakes
- Doubting the child
- When the child isn’t allowed to make independent choices
- Failure in this stage = self doubt

Question 3

Initiative vs. Guilt

Answer 3

PRESCHOOLERS (3-5 y/o)

Initiative:
- Planning + accomplishing tasks
- Caregivers - allow good model behavior, allow child to make own choices, set safe boundaries
- When successful = helps child develop a sense of purpose

Guilt:
- Judgement
- Criticism
- Over dependence on others
- Failure of this stage = lack of confidence + feelings of guilt

Question 4

Industry vs. Inferiority

Answer 4

SCHOOL AGE (5 - 13 y/o)

Industry:
- Form self-concept
- Balance achievements
- Reinforce effort/practice
- Focus on: academics, competition, social life
- Success = child being able to reach personal goals + build confidence

Inferiority:
- Perfection
- Lack in confidence
- Focus on failures
- Struggle w/ boundaries
- Failure = child feels like they’re inferior to others

Question 5

Identity vs. Confusion

Answer 5

ADOLESCENTS (13-21 y/o)

Identity:
- Who am I?
- Differentiates self
- Develops mental + physical health
- Set goals/try new things
- Able to relate to others
- When successful = they have a strong sense of identity + commit to their value

Confusion:
- Not allowed to explore
- Unsure of self
- Lack self confidence
- When unsuccessful = unable to commit + may struggle w/confusion about their future

Question 6

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Answer 6

YOUNG ADULTS (21-39 y/o)

Intimacy:
- Close relationships
- Start families
- Develop ability to/accept love (physically + emotionally)
- Ability to care for others
- Success = allows for supp. social + personal relationships

Isolation:
- Dissatisfaction - isolate self
- Fear of commitment
- Prior abuse
- Failure = poor health + poor social/romantic relationships

Question 7

Generality vs Stagnation

Answer 7

MIDDLE ADULTS (40-65 y/o)

• Make contributions to society (volunteer, mentor children)
• Leave a legacy
• Pride in accomplishments
• Take on responsibilities
• Finding a purpose for life
• Success = unconditional supp. of community + society

Stagnation:
- Self-centered
- Less life satisfaction
- Doesn’t seek out opportunities
- Unable to resolve midlife crisis
- Failure = uninterested in the people + environment around them

Question 8

Integrity vs. Despair

Answer 8

OLD ADULTS (65+)

Integrity
- Sense of fulfillment
- Proud of achievements
- Few regrets
- Ability to focus on the good
- Success = wisdom (composure, peace of mind)

Despair:
- Depression
- Regret
- Feeling life had little meaning
- Lack gratitude
- Failure = wishing they could have second chances