Erikson's Stages

• basic trust versus mistrust. Infants learn either to trust or mistrust that significant others will properly care for thier basic
• needs, including nourishment sucking, warmth, cleanliness, and physical contact.

• autonomy versus shame and doubt. Children learn either to be self-sufficient in many activities, including toileting, feeding,
• walking, and talking, or to doubt thier own abilities.

• initiative versus guilt. children want to undertake many adult-like activities, sometimes going beyond the limits set by parents
• and feeling guilty because of it.

industry versus inferiority. Children eagerly learn to be competent and productive or feel inferior and unable to do any task well.

identity versus role confusion. Adolescents try to figure out "Who am I?" They establish sexual, ethnic, and career indentities or are confused about what future roles to play.

intimacy versus isolation. young adults seek companionship and love with another person or become isolated from others.

generativity versus stagnation. middle-aged adults are productive, performing meaningful work and raising a family, or become stagnant and inactive.

ego integrity versus despair. older adults try to make sense out of their lives, either seeing life as meaningful and whole or despairing at goals never reached and questions never answered.