Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of Psychological Development

Erik Erikson, an American psychotherapist, established the notion of the eight ages of man in 1950, laying the groundwork for evolutionary psychology. In it, he claims that from birth to old age, we go through eight conflicts that allow us to grow psychosocially and personally. "We grow psychologically" when we encounter and effectively settle disagreement. However, if we cannot resolve these conflicts, we may not gain the required abilities to tackle what lies ahead.

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (0 - 18 months of age)

During this stage, the baby develops trust in his or her surroundings and in his or her parents. This will be defined by the baby's bond with them, especially with the mother, as she is the one with whom the child spends the most time.

Erick called this the "attachment connection," and it will affect the child's psychosocial development throughout her life. If her parents do not provide a safe environment and do not meet her basic and affective needs, the child will grow up feeling frustrated and suspicious of people and the world.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18-months-to-3-years)

At this stage, the child gains independence by learning to walk and speak, managing the toilet, and expressing his likes and dislikes. With more "control" over his body and environment, he develops a feeling of autonomy.

During this period, it is critical to provide them the opportunity to decide, such as selecting clothes for the day, setting the first limits and rules at home, or offering little obstacles appropriate for their age. After successfully passing this stage, children gain more self-esteem and become healthier and stronger.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3 - 5 years)

During this time, they grow more interested in their environment and in interacting with their peers. The game is quite important, and it will allow you to explore your talents and abilities. Children are inquisitive about everything. They touch, look at, and treat everything as if it were a toy, so there are shattered vases, paintings on the wall, and other ingenuities that are often difficult to believe can exist in such young brains.

Guilt is useful in the sense that it serves to identify that something has gone wrong; this feeling in excess is one of fear's most powerful nutrients.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (5 - 13 years)

Children compare themselves to other children during this period, wanting to participate in a range of activities and attain a number of goals. Children can already perceive their own and their classmates' strengths and are eager to put them to the test. They insist on taking on more hard tasks. They want to take part in all the events that have transpired, and as a result, the "I'll race you till..." and fury emerge when they lose a game or a competition.

Positive stimulation from parents, teachers, and friends is critical, as is recognizing their accomplishments and assisting them in determining how far they can go in their difficulties based on realities, so that they do not become stuck in inferiority. 

Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion (13 - 21 years)

During this stage, teenagers are constantly asking themselves, "Who am I?" It is the point at which they shape their own identity, deciding who they want to be and what role they want to play in society. Social life takes on a new significance because of this.

Stage 6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (21 - 40 years)

Throughout these years, the individual's surroundings and social life lose importance, and the individual draws some invisible lines on things that the individual is no longer willing to compromise on to satisfy others. They give priority to the most personal partnerships that require a mutual commitment.

Stage 7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (40 - 60 years)

This is the point when the individual spends more time with his family. You try to be productive so that you can provide a decent future for your loved ones; you attempt to be and feel valuable in this way. It plagued us with the perpetual question, "What am I doing here, and is it truly beneficial for anything?"

Stage 8: Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair (from the age of 60)

The individual's manner of life has been entirely transformed. He or she is no longer as productive as before, and one cannot stop gazing back in time. This glance back in time might generate nostalgia and misery, or it can elicit a sense that what has been accomplished has been worthy. Having one or many visions can help us deal with the physical changes of aging and the sadness that comes with them in a more or less positive way.

A human being's psychosocial development is crucial, not only in terms of social challenges but also in terms of fundamental aspects of their identity and personality, such as independence, self-esteem, and self-confidence. As a result, it is critical to give children chances for social contact that allow for the healthy development of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.