The Different Conflicts and Stages of Life
Erikson’s Psychosocial theory focuses on how society shapes and influences a person’s growing sense of ego and the quest for identity. Society is seen as a positive force that fosters the growth and development of the self. Each stage pointed out by Erikson represents a crisis in form of gradually increasing conflicts; each represents a crucial moment where specific problems need to be solved so that the acting person can gain in maturity.
If the crisis is resolved in a satisfactory manner, the ego moves on to the next stage, which would foster feelings of competence and self-confidence. On the other hand, failure to resolve the conflict would hinder the ego to develop and grow in a healthy manner and can lead to various mental health problems and maladjustments.
Stage 1: Trust versus Mistrust
The first stage starts from birth to 12 months during which the infant develops a sense of confidence towards the world. If the caregivers are attentive, the baby will have trust and confidence in the world; otherwise, they will believe that the world is inconsistent and they will have a more pronounced sense of fear.
Stage 2: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
From 12 months to 3 years the main focus is “toilet training” and to what point children learn to control their body functions, which would make them feel more independent and autonomous.
Stage 3: Initiative versus Guilt
From 3 to 6 years the child tries out new things and is not afraid of failure. They engage in social interaction and play and may grow to feel capable and a leader. Not resolving the crisis can lead to self-doubt, guilt and a lack of initiative.
Stage 4: Industry versus Inferiority
From 5 to 11 years the child learns about cultural values and may have sense of pride in their abilities or they will harbor feelings of inferiority and doubt in their abilities to succeed in the world.
Stage 5: Identity versus Confusion
In this stage which lasts from puberty to early adulthood they seek to establish their own personality, which can lead to a sense of control and independence or to a person who is full of insecurity and confusion about the future.
Stage 6: Intimacy versus Isolation
During early adulthood what matter most are personal relationships. However, successful interaction with others implies having resolved previous conflicts. The person might be imbued with feelings of isolation and loneliness which can even lead to depression.
Stage 7: Generativity versus Stagnation
At this stage of middle adulthood one is preoccupied with establishing and guiding the new generation. Constructing a life, a career, to have founded a family and to contribute to society are the most important elements of this stage. Someone who lacks those attributes might feel at the margin of the world, passive and with a lack of purpose and productivity.
Stage 8: Integrity versus Despair
The last stage in late adulthood deals with accepting our life’s accomplishments and dealing with impending death. If life is seen as a waste of time and full of failures one is filled with fear and has a sense of despair and disillusionment. Yet somebody who is satisfied with their life will await death with patience and integrity.
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