The Eight Stages of Development

The Eight Stages of Development outline key phases in a person's psychological growth, focusing on how individuals develop their identity, skills, and emotional resilience. These stages, proposed by psychologist Erik Erikson, include trust versus mistrust (early trust-building), autonomy versus shame (independence), initiative versus guilt (exploring), industry versus inferiority (competence), identity versus role confusion (self-understanding), intimacy versus isolation (close relationships), generativity versus stagnation (contributing to others), and integrity versus despair (reflecting on life). Each stage builds on the previous, shaping a person’s personality and ability to navigate social and emotional challenges throughout life.