Erikson based his theories in psychology on social development across the human lifespan. His work was conducted in the late 1960s, and it has formed the basis for the field of developmental psychology. He believed that people in each stage of life faced age-specific, competing psychosocial tasks that manifest as crises that had to be resolved before the person could move successfully into the next stage of psychological development. According to Erikson, there are eight stages of development. The stages are listed in the following table, along with the competing tasks associated with each stage, and a brief description of each stage. Erikson believed that resolution of the crises in each stage led to the formation of an individual’s identity as a person. You will apply your knowledge of the tasks of each stage of development in working with patients. The unmet developmental tasks often become apparent during medical treatment or life crises.
| Age of Developmental Stage | Developmental Issues | Tasks Associated with Developmental Stage |
| Infancy up to 1 year | Trust vs. mistrust | If basic needs are met, the child learns to trust |
| Toddler 1-2 years | Autonomy vs. shame and doubt | Child learns to exercise free will and accomplish tasks or doubt his abilities |
| Preschool 3-5 years | Initiative vs. guilt | Child learns to initiate activities and plans or feels guilty about his inabilities |
| Elementary school (6 years up to puberty) | Competence vs. inferiority | Child gains pleasure from accomplishments or he feels inferior |
| Adolescence (teens into 20s) | Identity vs. role confusion | Teens refine their identities and try different roles or they lose their sense of who they are and what they will become |
| Young adults (20s to early 40s) | Intimacy vs. isolation | Young adults seek to develop close and intimate social relationships or remain socially isolated |
| Middle-aged adults (40s to 60s) | Generativity vs. stagnation | Adults develop a sense of well-being through contributions to work and family or they feel a lack of purpose |
| Later adults (late 60s and beyond) | Integrity vs. despair | In reflecting on their lives, seniors sense satisfaction or failure |