Infancy

(First year)

Trust vs. mistrust

Feeding

Trust (or mistrust) that basic needs like nourishment and affection will be met by the caregiver

Hope

Toddler

(1–3 years)

Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Toilet training

Develop a sense of independence in many tasks

Will

Early childhood/ preschool

(3–5 years)

Initiative vs. guilt

Exploration

Take initiative on some activities; guilt may develop if unsuccessful or if boundaries are overstepped

Purpose

School age

(6 years to puberty)

Industry vs. inferiority

School

Develop self-confidence in abilities in relation to competency of subjects learned in school; a sense of inferiority if not successful

Confidence

Adolescence

(12–20 years)

Identity vs. identity confusion

Social relationships

Experiment with and develop a sense of identity and personal role

Fidelity

Early adulthood

(20s, 30s)

Intimacy vs. isolation

Intimate relationships

Establish intimacy and relationships with others

Love

Middle adulthood

(40s, 50s)

Generativity vs. stagnation

Work and parenthood

Contributions to society and family; mentoring the next generation or becoming stagnant or stuck

Care

Late adulthood

(60s onward)

Integrity vs. despair

Reflection on life

Reflection and assessment of previous stages; make sense of life and meaning of contributions

Wisdom