Erikson's psychosocial stage

Definition

Erikson's psychosocial stages are a series of eight developmental stages that individuals go through across their lifespan, each characterized by a unique social and emotional conflict that needs to be resolved. These conflicts shape our personality and identity.

Related terms

Trust vs Mistrust: This is the first stage in Erikson's theory, where infants develop trust or mistrust based on the consistency and reliability of their caregivers.

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt: This stage occurs during early childhood when children start asserting their independence and exploring their environment, leading to feelings of autonomy or shame if they face criticism or restrictions.

Generativity vs Stagnation: This is one of the later stages, occurring during middle adulthood when individuals focus on contributing positively to society through work, family, and relationships.