Stages

Approximate Age

Description

1.

Trust vs. Mistrust

0 - 1 year

Through having basic needs met or not, children develop a deep-seated ideal of optimism or pessimism in relationships and the worlds. Core to this is the emotional and trust bond formed between caregivers and the child.

2.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

2 - 3 years

Confidence is embedded here through success or failure of achievements and others reactions to this. It is also through being disciplined and being offered opportunities to assert control.

3.

Initiative vs. Guilt

3 - 5 years

Through taking control and being creative and independent, a child develops a sense of self, but this can also lead to clashes with those with whom the child has imprinted with that can lead to guilt when in conflict.

4.

Industry (competence) vs. Inferiority

6 - 12 years

At this stage the basic skills sets are developed and feelings of failure and incompetence are set in place. Schools have a key role in developing a self-confident child willing to expand and explore. It is interesting to see the rise of standardised testing within this age group and rankings, and the effect this will have on children’s sense of self.

5.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

13 - 18 years

In adolescence children start to see themselves as individuals with a role to play in the wider society, separate from our family. In this stage the greater impact is from what children do rather than what is being done to them.

6.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

18 - 40 years

Relationships and interactions with others form the core at this stage

7.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

40 - 65 years Adulthood

This age looks to have purpose and meaning in what is done or be isolated and adrift both physically and emotionally through lack of purpose.

8.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Old Age

The identity is reflective, looking back at past success or failure with senses of contentment or resentment at the world as a whole.