Erikson Lifespan Theory

Erikson proposed a lifespan model of development, taking in five stages up to the age of 18 years and three further stages beyond, well into adulthood. Erikson suggests that there is still plenty of room for continued growth and development throughout one’s life

Erikson’s (1959) theory of psychosocial development has eight distinct stages.
• Trust vs. Mistrust: Erikson's first psychosocial crisis occurs during the first year or so of life. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of hope. By developing a sense of trust, the infant can have hope that as new crises arise, there is a real possibility that other people will be there are a source of support. Failing to acquire the virtue of hope will lead to the development of fear.
• Autonomy

Guilt: Around age three and continuing to age five, children assert themselves more frequently. These are particularly lively, rapid-developing years in a child’s life. According to Bee (1992) it is a “time of vigor of action and of behaviors that the parents may see as aggressive" A healthy balance between initiative and guilt is important. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of purpose
• Industry (competence) vs. Inferiority Children: are at the stage (aged 5 to 12 yrs) where they will be learning to read and write, to do sums, to do things on their own. If the child cannot develop the specific skill they feel society is demanding (e.g. being athletic) then they may develop a sense of inferiority. Some failure may be necessary so that the child can develop some modesty. Yet again, a balance between competence and modesty is necessary. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of competence
• Identity vs. Role Confusion: During adolescence (age 12 to 18 yrs), the transition from childhood to adulthood is most important. Erikson claims that the adolescent may feel uncomfortable about their body for a while until they can adapt and “grow into” the changes. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of

Isolation: Occurring in young adulthood (ages 18 to 40 yrs), we begin to share ourselves more intimately with others. Successful completion of this stage can lead to comfortable relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship. Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of love
• Generativity vs. Stagnation During middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65 yrs), we establish our careers, settle down within a relationship, begin our own families and develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture.
• Ego Integrity vs. Despair As we grow older (65+ yrs) and become senior citizens, we tend to slow down our productivity, and explore life as a retired person. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of wisdom.
Erikson’s (1959). Her theory of psychosocial development has eight distinct stages, like Freud, Erikson assumes that a crisis occurs at each stage of development, for Erikson (1963), these crises are of a psychosocial nature because they involve psychological needs of the individual (i.e. psycho) conflicting with the needs of society (i.e.