Erikson's Psychosocial Theory of Human Development

                Erikson developed a theory centered around stages of identity formation as it relates to sense of self that incorporates two possible outcomes. One outcome is positive which equals resolution of the stage and ability to move to next stage without confusion in stage. The other outcome is negative which create more conflict not only in unresolved stage, but each stage thereafter. Resolution of each stage does not have to be completed during the age range that the stage initially takes place. Resolution can take place at any time in a person’s life.

#	Stage	Age	Outcomes
1	Basic Trust Vs. Basic Mistrust	Birth – 2 yr	Positive outcome: confidence that basic needs and wants can be achieved creating healthy and social individual. Develops from consistent caretakers who provide warm and loving care and nourishment Negative outcome: withdrawal and when older, withdrawal from relationships, low-self-esteem, and depression; fear about inconsistencies and creates anxiety
2	Autonomy vs. Shame	Early childhood before social age when children play together cooperatively (approx 3 yrs)	Positive: Sense of self-control, self-worth, self-confidence, and autonomy – feel can choose freely among the options even when limits are set by authority (feed themselves, choose clothes to wear, use bathroom) Negative: Shame and failure  - developed from being criticized, restricted, or constantly punished creating self-doubt SWers: if not successful in this stage, client will lack self-confidence and not truly gain independence
3	Initiative vs. Guilt	Occurs until around age 5 Social or play age	+: child learns to take on various roles that can be cooperative or individual; learns that she has a purpose. Creates games, start play with others. Active imaginations and are eager to learn -: constant frustration and lack of being able to express oneself creates guilt or inhibition – develops with criticism and control during this stage SWers: ppl who tend to follow others more due to lack of belief in their own ideas may have unresolved issues in this stage
4	Industry vs. Inferiority	6-12 (or 6- puberty)	+: able to show ability to work with a group to produce work that is meaningful; pride in accomplishments – mastering school work -: feeling of inferiority or doubt in abilities and inhibits creative output (thought or action) – develops from lack of success in school or with peer group
5	Identity vs. Identity diffusion (crisis) (or Identity vs. Role confusion)	12-22 (adolescence)	+: strength of identity including personal identity, autonomy from parents, acceptance of sexual preference, and commitment to a career built from exploration of possibilities -: insecure and cannot accept other roles or values that are new - may have conflicting roles that they are unable to integrate together SWers: must deal with how adolescent minds see the world as confronting them
6	Intimacy vs. isolation	22-34 (young adulthood)	+: friendships and love and handle co-operative and competitive nature of both – depends on social skills and availability of love and meaningful work in society; ability to share w/o sacrificing self identity -: person shuts out others and creates a situation of isolation or exclusivity. Isolation and lack of intimacy may develop due to lack of resolution of an earlier stage
7	Generativity vs. Self-absorption (or Generativity vs. Stagnation)	34-60 (middle adulthood)	+: Focused on creativity and impacting the next generation either through having their own kids or guiding children in some way. This stage can also be fulfilled by enjoying career and hobbies and helping in the community -: perceived inability to take care of others. May result in a mid-life crisis. Also, if one lacks generativity, they become self-absorbed and focuses on own concerns which results in lack of progress and productivity (stagnation) SWers: help clients focus on alternative creative options for nurturing others in the community
8	Integrity vs Disgust and despair	60-Death	Psychosocial crisis: ability of person to age while dealing with impending death +: clients feels they have led a full and happy life with little regrets. Able to see whole picture of past, present, and future of their life and accept it -: afraid of death and concentrated on the past and mistakes made resulting in the desire to go back and fix it. Lack of spiritual wholeness and lack of ability to see meaning to life

There are some sources that have different age ranges for the stages but it’s important to note that any client could be in any stage. Additionally, they may have the negative impact of one stage prior to where they are at which is negatively impacting their development in the current stage. After intensive assessment and evaluation, a therapist/Social worker would be able to asses which stages are unresolved in order to figure out what the client needs for the work stage. 

References:

Psychology 101. (2002). Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Retrieved from http://allpsych.com/psychology101/social_development.html on January 7, 2013.

Zastrow, C.H. & Kirst-Ashman, K.K. (2004). Understanding Human Behavior. Thomson Learning, Inc., Belmont, CA. p. 254-255.