How many psychosocial stages are described in Erik Erikson's theory?

• A. Eight
• B. Six
• C. Four
• D. Ten

Answer: (A)

Erikson’s theory describes a sequence of eight psychosocial stages that unfold across the entire lifespan, with each stage presenting a central challenge that helps shape personality. The stages, in order, are trust versus mistrust; autonomy versus shame and doubt; initiative versus guilt; industry versus inferiority; identity versus role confusion; intimacy versus isolation; generativity versus stagnation; and integrity versus despair. Working through these crises through social interactions at different life phases helps individuals build a coherent sense of self and meaningful connections with others. If a crisis isn’t successfully resolved at a given stage, it can create patterns that influence later development in that area. The eight-stage framework best fits the theory because fewer stages would miss important life periods (like adolescence or old age) and more stages would imply additional periods not described in the standard model.