This document outlines Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development and the central psychological issue or crisis at each stage from infancy through late adulthood. In infancy, the crisis is trust vs. mistrust as infants learn whether their needs will be met. In early childhood, the crisis is autonomy vs. shame and doubt as children learn independence. From ages 6 to puberty, the crisis is industry vs. inferiority as children develop a sense of competence or inferiority.

2. AGE
CENTRAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE OR
CRISIS
First Year
TRUST vs. MISTRUST
Infants learn to trust or mistrust that
there needs will be meet by the
world, especially by the mother.
Second Year
AUTONOMY vs. SHAME and DOUBT
Children learn to exercise will, to make
choices, and to control themselves, or
they become uncertain and doubt that
they can do things by themselves.
Third to Fifth Year
INITIATIVE vs. GUILT
Children learn to initiate activities and
enjoy their attempts at independence.

3. Sixth Year through Puberty
INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY
Children develops a sense of industry and
curiosity and eager to learn, or they feel
inferior and lose interest in the tasks before
them.
Early Adulthood
INTIMACY vs. ISOLATION
Young people become able to commit
themselves to another person, or they develop
a sense of isolation and feel they have no one
in the world but themselves.
Middle Age
GENERATIVITY vs. STAGNATION
Adults are willing to have care for children and
to devote themselves to their work and the
common good, or they become self-centered
and inactive.
Old Age
INTEGRITY vs. DESPAIR
Older people enter a period of reflection,
becoming assured that their lives have been
meaningful and ready to face death with
acceptance and dignity. Or they are despair
for their unaccomplished goals, failures and illspent life.