Table. Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Period Stage (Syntonic vs Dystonic Tendency) Virtue (Ego Strength Gained From Navigation of Positive and Negative Qualities) Malignancy (Dystonic Pathology) Example of Navigating the Stage
Infancy I) Trust vs Mistrust*HopeWithdrawalSecure environment provided by the caregiver, with regular access to affection and food
Early Childhood (II) Autonomy vs Shame, Doubt**WillCompulsionCaregiver promotes self-sufficiency while maintaining a secure environment
Play Age (III) Initiative vs Guilt***PurposeInhibitionCaregiver encourages, supports, and guides the child's own initiatives and interests
School Age IV) Industry vs Inferiority****CompetenceInertia (passivity)Reasonable expectations set in school and at home, with praise for their accomplishments
Adolescence (V) Identity vs Identity ConfusionFidelityRepudiationAn individual weighs their previous experiences, societal expectations, and aspirations to establish values and "find themselves"
Young Adulthood (VI) Intimacy vs IsolationLove ExclusionIndividuals form close friendships or long-term partnerships 
Adulthood (VII) Generativity vs Stagnation/Self-absorptionCareRejectivityEngagement with the next generation through parenting, coaching, or teaching
Old Age(VIII) Integrity vs Despair WisdomDisdainContemplation and acknowledgment of personal life accomplishments 

From: Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

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