Age: Infancy to 18 months
Development of trust between caregiver and child
Between a caregiver and the infant, trust or mistrust is learned by whether needs are met. The infant feels alone or uncomfortable and one or both parents are not available, and the need is not met.
Stage 2: Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt.
Age: 18 months to 3 years old
Development of control over bodily functions and activities
Parents of toddlers who support learning and exploration will help initiate autonomy; however, if the toddlers are shamed by actions, they have performed or explored they can begin showing they are not confident and show no independence.
Stage 3: Initiative Versus Guilt.
Age: 3 years to 5 years old
Testing limits of self-assertion and purposefulness
Children are playing at this stage with other children, and they learn interpersonal skills. When children can explore their surroundings, they can make choices and engage in activities within their surroundings. However, the opposite is true if the child is forced not to engage in their surroundings where there is criticism or too much control the child can suffer guilt.
Stage 4: Industry Versus Inferiority
Age: 5 years to 12 years old
Development of sense of mastery and competence
When children are encouraged about a talent, for example, the child loves to draw and sketch. When the child's parents give and show praise and encouragement about their talent, the child becomes surer of their talent and begins having a drive to keep drawing and improving on their talent.