This chart shows the stepping stone approach to Erikson's theory. Although someone may miss a step it is never too late to go back and repair the damage.

Erikson's Developmental Stage Starting with Old Age and Working Towards Birth

 
 Stage 8: Old Age

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Stage 7: Adulthood

Generativity vs. Stagnation

 
Stage 6: Young Adulthood

Intimacy vs. Isolation

   
Stage 5: Adolescence

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

     
Stage 4: School Age

Industry vs. Inferiority

       
Stage 3: Play Age

Initiative vs. Guilt

         
Stage 2: Early Childhood

Autonomy vs. Shame

           
Stage 1:  Infancy

Trust vs. Mistrust

             

Virtues and Dangers

Stage

Age

Psychosocial Crisis

Virtue

Danger

Infancy

to age 2

Trust vs. Mistrust

Hope

Withdrawal - I have been abandoned

Early

2-3

Autonomy vs. Shame

Will Power

Compulsion- My body and I are bad therefore, I must very carefully control everything  I do

Play Age

3-5

Initiative vs. Guilt

Purpose

inhibition - Sometimes I am terrified that others will be so angry at me for what I want to do that they will harm or destroy me

School Age

6-12

Industry vs. Inferiority

Competence

inertia - I am worthless. At best, I can only achieve recognition for things I do or produce

Adolescence

12-18

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

Devotion and Fidelity

role repudiation - I have no idea who I am or where I am going.

Young

19-35

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Love

exclusivity -I melt within someone.

Adulthood

35-65

Generativity vs.Stagnation

Production and Care

rejection- Self responsibility can become self absorption

Old Age

after 65

Integrity vs. Despair

Wisdom

disdain - I feel depressed and isolated