Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

All 8 Terms & Definitions

Psychosocial crisis

Erikson's term for the normative developmental challenge at each stage — a tension between a positive (syntonic) and negative (dystonic) outcome. The ratio of syntonic to dystonic experience shapes the ego strength carried forward. Unlike Freudian crises, psychosocial crises involve the social world, not just biological drives.

Epigenetic principle

The idea that development follows a biologically pre-set sequence of stages, each building on the previous. 'Epi' (upon) + 'genesis' (emergence): each stage emerges from and depends on the adequate resolution of earlier stages. Erikson borrowed the concept from embryology.

Basic virtues (ego strengths)

The positive psychological qualities that emerge from successfully navigating each stage: Hope (trust), Will (autonomy), Purpose (initiative), Competence (industry), Fidelity (identity), Love (intimacy), Care (generativity), and Wisdom (integrity). These are not personality traits but capacities that the ego acquires.

Psychosocial moratorium

A culturally sanctioned period — typically in adolescence or early adulthood — during which an individual is permitted to explore identity options before committing to adult roles. Higher education is a classic institutional moratorium. The concept was later operationalised by James Marcia as the 'moratorium' identity status.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

In toddlerhood, the child begins to assert control over their own body and choices. Supportive environments that allow reasonable autonomy foster a sense of self-control and willpower. Overly controlling or shaming environments produce shame and self-doubt. Virtue: Will.

Stage 3: Initiative vs Guilt

The preschool child begins to plan and initiate activities, assert power, and direct others. Success produces a sense of purpose; excessive restriction or criticism produces guilt about one's desires and impulses. Virtue: Purpose.

Stage 4: Industry vs Inferiority

School-age children compare themselves to peers and begin to develop competence in academic and social skills. Success builds a sense of industriousness; repeated failure produces feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. Virtue: Competence.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs Isolation

Young adults must risk merging their newly formed identity with that of another in a committed relationship. Those who cannot risk such fusion may experience isolation — a retreat into self-absorption. A stable identity (Stage 5) is a prerequisite for genuine intimacy. Virtue: Love.