The Hope Approach version of Erickson's Stage of Life
Erikson's stages of life, also known as Erikson's psychosocial stages, are a theoretical framework proposed by the developmental psychologist Erik Erikson. Erikson believed that human development occurs in a series of stages, each characterized by a unique psychosocial crisis or challenge that individuals must navigate in order to progress and grow psychologically.
According to Erikson, successful resolution of each stage leads to the development of a healthy psychological quality or virtue, while unresolved conflicts may result in negative outcomes or challenges in subsequent stages. These stages cover the entire lifespan, from infancy to old age, and emphasize the interaction between an individual's personal growth and their social environment.
Stage
Developmental
Description
Age Range
Virtue
Trust vs. Mistrust
Feeding
Infants learn to trust or mistrust the world based on the consistency of their caregivers' nurturing and responsiveness.
Birth to 18 months
Hope
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Toilet Training
Toddlers develop a sense of independence and autonomy through exploration and experience shame and doubt if their efforts are restricted or criticized.
18 months to 3 years
Purpose
Initiative vs. Guilt
Exploration
Right vs Wrong
Preschoolers begin taking initiative in their activities and exploring their creativity, facing guilt when they overstep boundaries or fail to meet expectations.
3 to 5 years
Industry vs. Inferiority
Self Esteem
Developing Pride
Achieving goals confidently
Some failure necessary
School-age children learn to apply themselves and develop a sense of competence through academic and social tasks, but may experience feelings of inferiority if they perceive themselves as incompetent.
6 to 11 years
Competency
Identity vs. Role Confusion
Intimacy outside of family
Relationship building vs Isolation and despair
Adolescents develop a strong sense of identity by exploring different roles and forming a coherent sense of self, or they may experience identity confusion if they struggle to establish a clear identity.
12 to 18 years
Fidelity
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Personal relationships
Conflict
Long term
Positive vs security
Ability to love
Young adults form close and intimate relationships, establishing meaningful connections with others, or they may face feelings of isolation and loneliness
19 to 40 years
Love
Integrity vs Despair.
Reflection
Determination to be happy vs regret
Fulfilment
Older adults reflect on their lives, finding a sense of fulfillment and acceptance of mortality, or they may experience despair and regret over missed opportunities.
65 years and beyond
Wisdom
