Theory Of Development
Trust vs Mistrust:
Infants must learn that adults can be trusted
Major Question: "Can I trust the people around me?"
Basic Virtue: Hope
Important Event: Feeding
Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt:
As toddlers being to explore their world, they learn that
they can control their actions and act on their environment to get
results.
Major Question: "Can I do things myself or am I reliant on the help
of others?"
Basic Virtue: Will
Important Event: Toilet Training
Initiative vs Guilt:
At the preschool stage children are capable of initiating activities
and asserting control over their world through social interactions and play.
Major Question: "Am I good or bad?"
Basic Virtue: Purpose
Important Events: Exploration, Play
Industry vs Inferiority:
Children begin to compare themselves to their peers, develop a sense of pride
and accomplishment or feeling of Inferiority/inadequacy.
Major Question: "How can I be good?"
Basic Virtue: Competence
Important Event: School
Identity vs Role Confusion:
An adolescents main task is developing a sense of self.
Major question: "Who am I"
Basic Virtue: Fidelity
Important Event: Social Relationships
Intimacy vs Isolation:
Develop and maintain successful relationships with others.
Major question: "Will I be loved or will I be alone?"
Basic Virtue: Love
Important Event: Romantic Relationships
Generativity vs Stagnation:
Middle-aged adults begin contributing to the next generation/society
or little connection to others.
Major Question: "How can I contribute to the world"
Basic Virtue: Care
Important Events: Parenthood and Work
Ego integrity vs Despair:
People in late adulthood reflect on their lives and feel either a
sense of satisfaction or a sense of failure.
Major Question: "Did I live a meaningful life?"
Basic Virtue: Wisdom
Important Event: Reflecting back on life