Human development is a branch of psychology with the goal of understanding people â how they develop, grow, and change throughout their lives. This discipline, which can help individuals better understand themselves and their relationships, is broad. As such, it can be used in various professional settings and career paths.
If human development is the study of how people change throughout their lives, how and when does this development happen? Many scientists and psychologists have studied various aspects of human development, including ego psychologist Erik Erikson. He examined the impact of social experiences throughout an individualâs life and theorized that psychosocial development happens in eight sequential parts. What are the eight stages of human development?
Using Eriksons 8 stages of Psychosocial Development
Please create a chart summary which includes the following:
- Stage
2, Age range
- Basic conflict (Psychological crisis)
- Important events
- Generalized summary

Sample Answer
Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development
Here is a chart summarizing Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development:
1. Stage | 2. Age Range | 3. Basic Conflict (Psychological Crisis) | 4. Important Events | 5. Generalized Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Trust vs. Mistrust | Birth to 1 year | Trust vs. Mistrust | Feeding, Comfort, Caregiving | Infants develop a sense of trust when their needs are consistently met by caregivers, leading to a feeling of safety and security. Inconsistent or neglectful care can lead to mistrust, anxiety, and insecurity. |
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt | 2 to 3 years | Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt | Toilet Training, Exploration, Dressing | Toddlers begin to assert their independence and learn to do things for themselves. Successful navigation of this stage leads to feelings of autonomy and self-confidence. Overly restrictive or critical parenting can lead to feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities. |
3. Initiative vs. Guilt | 3 to 5 years | Initiative vs. Guilt | Exploration, Play, Social Interaction | Preschoolers start to initiate activities, plan tasks, and assert themselves socially. Encouragement and support foster a sense of purpose and initiative. Overly controlling or punishing responses can lead to feelings of guilt and inhibition. |
4. Industry vs. Inferiority | 6 to 11 years | Industry vs. Inferiority | School, Learning, Peer Relationships | School-aged children focus on mastering new skills and knowledge, developing a sense of competence and achievement. Success in this stage leads to feelings of industry. Repeated failures or lack of recognition can lead to feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. |
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion | Adolescence | Identity vs. Role Confusion | Peer Relationships, Self-Discovery, Career | Adolescents explore different roles, values, and beliefs to form a coherent sense of self and identity. Successful navigation leads to a strong sense of identity and direction. Difficulty in this stage can result in role confusion and uncertainty about their place in the world. |
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation | Young Adulthood | Intimacy vs. Isolation | Romantic Relationships, Friendships, Commitment | Young adults focus on forming close, meaningful relationships and developing a sense of connection and intimacy with others. Success in this stage leads to fulfilling relationships. Failure can result in feelings of isolation and loneliness. |
Is this question part of your Assignment?
We can help
Our aim is to help you get A+ grades on your Coursework.
We handle assignments in a multiplicity of subject areas including Admission Essays, General Essays, Case Studies, Coursework, Dissertations, Editing, Research Papers, and Research proposals
Header Button Label: Get Started NowGet Started Header Button Label: View writing samplesView writing samples