Stages of Development
Crisis & Virtue
Real-Life Examples
Key Concepts
Erikson Himself
100

What is the first stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development?

What is trust vs mistrust?
100

What is the basic virtue gained in the Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt stage?

What is will?

100

A baby cries, and their caregiver consistently soothes them. What stage is this?

What is trust vs mistrust?

100

Erikson’s theory is based on which type of development?

What is psychosocial development?

100

Erik Erikson was influenced by which famous psychoanalyst?

Who is Sigmund Freud?

200

At what stage do adolescents struggle with identity formation?

What is identity vs role confusion?


200

What crisis do toddlers face, according to Erikson?

What is autonomy vs shame/guilt?

200

A teenager experiments with different hobbies and friend groups to figure out who they are. What stage is this?

What is Identity vs. Role Confusion?

200

 How many stages are in Erikson’s theory?

What is 8?

200

 In what field did Erikson originally train before studying psychology?

What is art?

300

What is the primary conflict of middle adulthood?

What is Generativity vs. Stagnation?

300

What virtue results from successfully resolving the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage?

What is care?

300

A retired person looks back at their life with satisfaction. What stage is this?

What is integrity vs despair?

300

 What term describes the critical moment of conflict in each stage?

What is psychosocial crisis?

300

What term did Erikson coin to describe a period of questioning identity?


What is identity crisis?

400

In which stage do young adults focus on forming close relationships?

What is intimacy vs isolation?

400

 If a child is encouraged in their initiative, what virtue will they gain

What is purpose?

400

A young adult is struggling to maintain a serious relationship. What stage is this?

What is intimacy vs isolation?

400

What does Erikson say is crucial to successfully resolving a stage?

What is achieving a balance between the opposing forces?

400

What was unique about Erikson’s own identity struggles?

He was raised with a different last name and only later learned about his biological father.

500

What is the final stage of Erikson’s theory, where individuals reflect on their life?

What is integrity vs despair?

500

What virtue is developed in Integrity vs. Despair?

What is wisdom? 

500

A middle-aged adult mentors younger colleagues and volunteers in the community. What stage is this?

What is Generativity vs. Stagnation?

500

What is the difference between Erikson’s theory and Freud’s theory?

Erikson focused on psychosocial development throughout the lifespan, while Freud emphasized psychosexual stages.

500

What is the main idea behind Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development

 Each stage of life presents a psychosocial conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological growth.