Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

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🌈 Erikson’s Stages – Simple Explanation + Examples

1. Infant – 18 months

Crisis: Trust vs Mistrust

Virtue: Hope

👉 Simple meaning:
If babies are cared for with love, feeding, and comfort, they learn to trust people.

👉 Example:
When a baby cries and the mother/father picks them up and soothes them, the baby learns, “People will take care of me.”

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2. 18 months – 3 years

Crisis: Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt

Virtue: Will

👉 Simple meaning:
Children learn to do things on their own.

👉 Example:
A toddler wants to eat alone or try to wear shoes. If parents encourage, they feel confident. If parents scold, they feel ashamed.

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3. 3 – 5 years

Crisis: Initiative vs Guilt

Virtue: Purpose

👉 Simple meaning:
Children start planning small activities and asking lots of questions.

👉 Example:
A child says, “I want to help make chapati!” If parents support, initiative grows. If they stop them harshly, the child feels guilty for trying.

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4. 5 – 13 years

Crisis: Industry vs Inferiority

Virtue: Competency

👉 Simple meaning:
Kids learn skills: reading, writing, sports, school work.

👉 Example:
A student completes homework and is praised — they feel “I can do things!”.
If they are always compared or criticized, they feel “I’m not good enough.”

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5. 13 – 21 years

Crisis: Identity vs Confusion

Virtue: Fidelity

👉 Simple meaning:
Teens try to understand who they are, what they believe, and their future role.

👉 Example:
Trying different hobbies, hairstyles, friend groups, career dreams. Gradually they find “This is me.”

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6. 21 – 39 years

Crisis: Intimacy vs Isolation

Virtue: Love

👉 Simple meaning:
Young adults build deep friendships and meaningful connections with others.

👉 Example:
Developing strong bonds, close friendships, or long-term partnerships.

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7. 40 – 65 years

Crisis: Generativity vs Stagnation

Virtue: Care

👉 Simple meaning:
Adults want to contribute to society and support the next generation.

👉 Example:
Teaching others, mentoring younger people, taking care of family or community.

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8. 65+ years

Crisis: Integrity vs Despair

Virtue: Wisdom

👉 Simple meaning:
Older adults look back on life with satisfaction.

👉 Example:
An elderly person feels happy about the life they lived, shares life lessons, and accepts aging with peace.