Erik Erikson’s stages w/examples:
Trust vs. Mistrust: Infancy birth-18
Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt: Early Childhood 18 mo-3
Initiative vs. Guilt & shame: Play age 3-5
Industry vs. Inferiority: School age 6-12
Identity vs. Role confusion: Adolescence 12-18
Intimacy vs. Isolation: Young adulthood 18-35
Generativity vs. stagnation or Self-Absorption: Middle Adulthood 35-60
Integrity vs. Despair: Late Adulthood 60 +
Stage 1: + Trust: 9 month old learning to walk, She trusts her mother to be there as she takes her
first steps forward, across a room. The single mother has been nurturing and put the needs of the
baby first, therefore the baby has the ability to take this type of risk without fear.
Stage 2: + Autonomy: 2 ½ year old girl is allowed to dress herself when going to the store. She
does not want help choosing clothes, but still allows her mother to help with fastening. She is
independent but still wants her mother to reassure her.
Stage 3: + Initiative: 4 year old boy able to adjust well to gymnastic lessons.
He is not afraid to try new things (large motor) in a class with a new authority figure and other
children (expressive language).
Stage 4: + Industry: 11 year old boy involved with Boy Scouts. He is pleased with himself being
part of a group, learning valuable skills and contributing to the community. The badges he is
awarded help him feel productive and builds his self-esteem.
Stage 5: - Role Confusion: 17 year old girl whose older sister was killed in a car crash. She is
having a hard time deciding whether she should try to be like her sister or her own person. She is
very introverted and has a hard time deciding issues that affect her future
Stage 6: + Intimacy: 24 year old single mother- She was not able to completely trust others and
felt isolated from other adults her age. Recently she was able to work through her issues and is
now engaged. The couple shares duties as parent and partners.
Stage 7: - Self-Absorption: 45 year old man. He is a divorcee and is in a long engagement with a
new woman (not entirely happily). He owns a large boat, motorcycle, convertible, large SUV and
continuously does improvements to his house. He does not work or spend time with his adult
children.
Stage 8: + Integrity: 76 year old mother of 7, grandmother of 22, great-grandmother of 4. She
enjoys passing on stories of her youth. Despite serious health concerns, she is happy and at peace
with the idea of death.