Psychosocial Stages

1. Stage 1: Trust Versus Mistrust


Trust versus mistrust is the earliest psychosocial stage that occurs during the first year or so of a child's life. During this critical phase of development,an infant is utterly dependent upon his or her caregivers. When parents or caregivers respond a child's needs in a consistent and caring manner, the child then learns to trust the world and peoplearound him. Learn more about the trust versus mistrust stage.

2. Stage 2: Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt


The second psychosocial stage involves the conflict between autonomy and shame or doubt.As the child enters the toddler years, gaining a greater sense of personal control becomes increasingly important. Tasks such as learning how to use the toilet, selecting foods and choosing toys areways that children gain a greater sense of independence. Learn more about the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage.
3. Stage 3: Initiative Versus Guilt


The third psychosocial stage occurs betweenthe ages of about three and five and is centered on developing a sense of self-initiative. Children who are allowed and encouraged to engage in self-directed play emerge with a sense of stronginitiative, while those who are discouraged from these activities may begin to feel a sense of guilt over their self-initiated activities. Learn more about the initiative versus guilt stage.
4. Stage 4:Industry Versus Inferiority


During middle childhood between the ages of about six and eleven, children enter the psychosocial stage known as industry versus inferiority. As children engage insocial interaction with friends and academic activities at school, they begin to develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work and abilities. Children who are praised and encouraged develop asense of competence, while those who are discouraged are left with a sense of inferiority. Learn more about the industry versus inferiority stage.
5. Stage 5: Identity Versus Confusion


In the...