1. Erikson’s Life-Span
Theory

2. Erickson’s Stages of Development
 Erik Erikson proposed that humans develop a
personality in 8 psychosocial stages
 During each stage, we experience a particular
psychosocial crisis it must be resolved
positively or negatively
 Each outcome will have an effect on our ability to
deal with the next crisis
 According to Erickson the crisis at each stage of
development must be resolved positively before
one can successfully master subsequent stages

3. Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development
1. Trust vs.
Mistrust
(Infancy)
When all an infant's needs are met,
trust develops.
2. Autonomy vs.
Shame
(Toddlerhood)
Parents who create supportive
environments allow toddlers to learn
self-sufficiency and gain confidence.
Overprotective or disapproving
parents can lead to children who
second-guess themselves.

4. 3. Initiative vs. Guilt
(Preschooler)
Children who receive
encouragement and
consistent discipline gain
esteem while learning to take
chances. If children receive
nothing but scolding, they
may develop an overriding
sense of guilt. Children at this
stage improve their motor
skills and become more
interested in social
interaction.
Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development

5. Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development
4. Industry vs.
Inferiority
(Elementary)
Doing well in school and making friends
helps children develop a sense of
competence or industry. Otherwise they
feel a sense of inadequacy.
5. Identity vs.
Role Confusion
(Adolescence)
If teens successfully answer the question,
"who am I?" they develop a strong sense
of self. If, however, they remain confused
about their identity, they will likely grow
up with an inability to make crucial
decisions.

6. 6. Intimacy vs.
Isolation
(Young
Adulthood)
Intimacy is possible with a more-or-less
solid sense of identity gained in earlier
stages. If young adults still harbor doubts
about who they are, then they are likely
to become isolated, fear commitments,
and root themselves in egocentrism.
Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development

7. Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development
7.
Generativity
vs. Stagnation
(Middle
Adulthood)
Adults in this stage may dedicate their lives
to rearing children, to their work, or to some
special cause, all in hope of leaving 'mark' on
the world. People resolve the conflict of
generativity versus stagnation by giving
something of themselves to future
generations. If adults fail to make a
contribution to the world, they remain
caught up in egoism and a self-centered
lifestyle.

8. Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development
8. Integrity vs.
Despair
(Late Adulthood)
At this time of life, adults look back on their lives and
evaluate their effect on the world. If the previous stages
have been resolved positively, adults are able to approach
their deaths from a healthy point of view. Otherwise, they
may fear death and regret their lives.

9. Summary
 No one moves through all 8 stages with only
successes
 Successes need to outnumber the failures
 Can become stuck in a stage
 Struggle to create a healthy personality is what
makes life satisfying