What are the eight stages of Erikson's psychosocial development?

The correct answer encompasses all of Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development, which are critical for understanding how individuals navigate various challenges throughout their lives.

Starting from infancy, the first stage establishes a foundation for future psychological health through the development of trust versus mistrust. As children age, they face the challenge of autonomy versus shame and doubt, fostering their independence. Initiative versus guilt then emerges in early childhood, focusing on a child’s ability to initiate activities versus feeling guilty about their efforts.

As they progress into later childhood, children confront industry versus inferiority, where they develop their skills and a sense of competence. In adolescence, individuals grapple with identity versus role confusion, which is vital for developing a personal identity.

Young adulthood presents the conflict between intimacy versus isolation, where establishing meaningful relationships is essential. Middle adulthood introduces generativity versus stagnation, emphasizing the importance of contributing to society and the next generation. Finally, in late adulthood, individuals reflect on their lives in the stage of integrity versus despair, assessing their accomplishments and facing the end of life.

This framework illustrates the sequential nature of Erikson's stages, highlighting how each stage builds upon the previous ones, shaping a person's personality and social skills throughout their lifespan.