Glossary
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Erikson's second stage (1 to 3 years), where toddlers learn to exercise their will and do things independently, or they may doubt their abilities.
Example:
A toddler who is encouraged to choose their own clothes is developing autonomy, while one constantly criticized might feel shame.
Competence vs. Inferiority
Erikson's fourth stage (6 years to puberty), where children learn the pleasure of applying themselves to tasks, or they may feel inferior.
Example:
A child who excels at school projects and sports develops a sense of competence, while one who struggles might feel inferior.
Early Adulthood
The developmental stage typically spanning the 20s and 30s, characterized by establishing independence, careers, and intimate relationships.
Example:
After graduating college, Sarah focused on building her career and finding a life partner during her early adulthood.
Emerging Adulthood
A transitional phase between adolescence and full adulthood, typically from age 18 to the mid-20s, marked by identity exploration, instability, and self-focus.
Example:
Liam spent his emerging adulthood exploring different college majors and part-time jobs before settling on a career path.
Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
A theory proposing eight stages of human development, each presenting a unique psychosocial crisis that individuals must resolve to achieve healthy development.
Example:
Understanding Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development helps explain why teenagers often struggle with finding their identity.
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Erikson's seventh stage (40s to 60s), where middle-aged adults discover a sense of contributing to the world, usually through family and work, or they may feel a lack of purpose.
Example:
A person who volunteers, mentors, or raises children feels a sense of generativity, while one focused only on personal comfort might experience stagnation.
Grief
A powerful emotional response to loss, particularly the death of a loved one, which can manifest as anger, longing, sadness, and eventually acceptance.
Example:
Following the loss of her grandmother, Sarah experienced intense grief, finding comfort in sharing memories with her family.
Identity vs. Confusion
Erikson's fifth stage (teens into 20s), where teenagers work at refining a sense of self by testing roles and integrating them to form a single identity, or they become confused about who they are.
Example:
An adolescent exploring different friend groups and interests is trying to resolve the identity vs. confusion crisis.
Initiative vs. Guilt
Erikson's third stage (3 to 6 years), where preschoolers learn to initiate tasks and carry out plans, or they may feel guilty about their efforts to be independent.
Example:
A preschooler who enthusiastically helps set the table is showing initiative, whereas one scolded for trying might feel guilt.
Integrity vs. Despair
Erikson's eighth and final stage (late 60s and up), where older adults reflect on their lives, feeling either a sense of satisfaction or a sense of failure and regret.
Example:
An elderly person who looks back on their life with a feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment has achieved integrity, while one with many regrets may feel despair.
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Erikson's sixth stage (20s to 40s), where young adults struggle to form close relationships and gain the capacity for intimate love, or they feel socially isolated.
Example:
A young adult who forms deep, committed friendships and romantic partnerships is successfully navigating intimacy vs. isolation.
Late Adulthood
The developmental stage beginning around age 60 and continuing onward, characterized by physical and cognitive changes, retirement, and reflection on one's life.
Example:
In late adulthood, Maria enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and reflecting on her life's journey with a sense of contentment.
Menopause
The natural cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle, typically occurring around age 50, signifying the end of reproductive capability.
Example:
After experiencing hot flashes and irregular periods, Elena realized she was going through menopause.
Mid-life crisis
A period of emotional turmoil and self-doubt that some individuals experience during middle adulthood, often triggered by a reevaluation of their life choices and achievements.
Example:
After turning 45, Mark suddenly bought a sports car and started a new hobby, leading his friends to joke he was having a mid-life crisis.
Middle Adulthood
The developmental stage generally from the 30s to 60s, often marked by career consolidation, raising families, and a shift in priorities towards generativity.
Example:
During middle adulthood, David found fulfillment in mentoring younger colleagues and volunteering in his community.
Social Clock
The culturally preferred timing of social events such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement, which can influence an individual's sense of life progress.
Example:
Feeling pressure to get married by her late twenties, Emily worried she was falling behind her friends on the social clock.
Trust vs. Mistrust
Erikson's first stage (birth to 1 year), where infants develop a sense of basic trust if their needs are consistently met by caregivers.
Example:
A baby who is consistently fed and comforted by their parents will likely develop a sense of basic trust.