Erik H. Erikson (June 15, 1902 - May 12, 1994) was a developmental psychologist known for his theory on social development of human beings, and for coining the phrase 'identity crisis'.

The theory describes eight stages through which a healthily developing human should pass from infancy to late adulthood. In each stage the person confronts, and hopefully masters, new challenges. Each stage builds on the successful completion of earlier stages. The challenges of stages not successfully completed may be expected to reappear as problems in the future.

(Approx. ages)
Stage
Psychosocial crisisSignificant relationsPsychosocial modalitiesPsychosocial virtuesMaladaptations & malignancies
(0-1)
Infant
trust vs mistrustmotherto get,
to give in return
hope,
faith
sensory distortion
withdrawal
(2-3)
Toddler
autonomy vs shame and doubtparentsto hold on,
to let go
will,
determination
impulsivity
compulsion
(3-6)
Preschooler
initiative vs guiltfamilyto go after,
to play
purpose,
courage
ruthlessness
inhibition
(7-12)
School-age child
industry vs inferiorityneighborhood and schoolto complete,
to make things together
competencenarrow virtuosity
inertia
(12-18)
Adolescent
ego-identity vs role-confusionpeer groups, role modelsto be oneself,
to share oneself
fidelity,
loyalty
fanaticism
repudiation
(20-45)
Young adult
intimacy vs isolationpartners, friendsto lose and find oneself in a
another
lovepromiscuity
exclusivity
(30-65)
Middle aged adult
generativity vs self-absorptionhousehold,
co-workers
to make be,
to take care of
careoverextension
rejectivity
(50+)
Old adult
integrity vs despairmankind or “my kind”to be,
through having been, to face not being
wisdompresumption
despair

See also

Epigenetics