Psychology Chapter 1: Development Stages

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

• Occurs during infancy, where children develop trust through consistent care and love from caregivers.
• Lack of trust due to inconsistent care, neglect, or abuse leads to a sense of mistrust and insecurity.
• Successful completion results in the virtue of hope - a belief in the goodness of the world and the people in it.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

• Children strive for independence and control over their bodies and actions.
• Develops between ages 1 and 3.
• Success fosters feelings of autonomy and confidence.
• Failure leads to feelings of shame and doubt and difficulty with self-reliance.
• Evolves the virtue of will - a belief in one's ability to act independently and make decisions.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

• Occurs during the preschool years (ages 3-5).
• Children explore their surroundings with curiosity and experiment with social roles.
• Successful exploration leads to a sense of purpose and initiative.
• Suppression of initiative due to disapproval from caregivers leads to guilt and self-doubt.
• Results in the virtue of purpose - a belief in one's ability to make plans and take initiative.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

• Develops during the early school years (ages 5-11).
• Involves mastering new skills, learning to work with others, and building self-esteem.
• Encouragement and positive feedback from parents and teachers foster a sense of competency and pride.
• Lack of support can lead to feelings of inferiority and doubt about one's abilities.
• Develops the virtue of competence - a belief in one's ability to navigate the challenges of life.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion

• Occurs during adolescence (ages 12-18).
• Focuses on exploring one's identity, values, and beliefs, and developing a clear sense of self.
• Successful exploration leads to a strong sense of personal identity and a feeling of belonging.
• Unable to establish a clear sense of self leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.
• Develops the virtue of fidelity - a commitment to one's values and beliefs, and to the relationships that shape them.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

• Happens during early adulthood (ages 18-40).
• Involves forming close and intimate relationships with others, including romantic partners and friends.
• Successful relationships foster a sense of intimacy and connection.
• Difficulty connecting with others leads to isolation, fear of commitment, and loneliness.
• Develops the virtue of love - the ability to form committed and loving relationships with others.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

• Occurs during middle adulthood (ages 40-65).
• Focuses on contributing to society and leaving a legacy through work, family, or community involvement.
• Success leads to feelings of purpose and accomplishment.
• Failure results in stagnation and a sense of purposelessness; individuals are defined by lack of achievement.
• Develops the virtue of care - a concern for the welfare of others, present and future.

Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair

• Takes place during late adulthood (ages 65+).
• Involves reflecting on one's life, accepting its successes and failures, and seeking meaning and purpose in the face of mortality.
• A sense of accomplishment leads to feelings of fulfillment and acceptance.
• Regret over missed opportunities and unfulfilled goals leads to despair and a sense of emptiness.
• Develops the virtue of wisdom - the ability to accept life's fullness and limitations.

This quiz explores Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, highlighting trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, and initiative vs. guilt. Each stage outlines the key challenges and virtues that shape a child's growth and identity. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts in development psychology.