A theory that describes eight stages of psychological and social development throughout a person's lifetime, each stage representing a different conflict or challenge to be resolved.
Related terms
Trust vs. Mistrust: The first stage where infants learn to trust or mistrust their caregivers based on consistent care and responsiveness.
Initiative vs. Guilt: The third stage where children develop a sense of purpose and take initiative in their activities or feel guilty if they believe their actions are wrong.
Industry vs. Inferiority: The fourth stage where children begin to compare themselves with others academically, socially, and physically, developing feelings of competence or inferiority.
"Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development" also found in: