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

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