Erickson’s stages of life

Erickson's stages of life outline a developmental framework, emphasizing the psychosocial challenges faced at different life stages. The first stage, infancy, revolves around the challenge of trust, where a baby's progress is reliant on their basic needs being met. Toddlers face the stage of autonomy, which involves exploring and taking risks within a secure environment. As children enter preschool and elementary school, they confront the stage of initiative and then industry, characterized by increased responsibilities like homework. Adolescents must navigate the challenge of forming a separate identity from their family, which is often accompanied by impulsive behaviors. Early adulthood entails developing intimacy, focusing on building both romantic and platonic relationships. The generativity stage, occurring in late middle age, shifts attention towards contributing to something greater than oneself, such as mentoring the next generation. Failing to successfully manage this stage may result in continued self-centered ambition, hindering personal fulfillment. Following generativity, individuals reflect on their lives during the wisdom or integrity stage, contemplating their life choices. Joan, Erickson's wife, proposed a ninth stage that encompasses various struggles, likening it to a final level in a game where individuals confront multiple past challenges simultaneously, mirroring the vulnerabilities experienced in earlier stages of life.