| Age | Stage | Description |
| Birth – 1 year | Basic Trust vs. Mistrust | Warm, responsive care = infant’s trust. If an infant bonds, or develops trust with significant others, then s/he will feel safe. |
| 1 – 3 years | Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt | Children want to choose and make decisions. Reasonable free choice needed without force or shame. Children who are not given a chance to make choices and/or decisions with adult guidance will have difficulty making independent decisions as they grow older. |
| 3 – 6 years | Initiative vs. Guilt | Children make-believe to explore future roles. Initiative develops in a supportive atmosphere. Children can start to develop leadership skills if coached and encouraged. |
| 6 – 11 years | Industry vs. Inferiority | Ability to work and cooperate in groups. Pride in accomplishments and abilities develop through social interactions with adults and peers. Those individuals who are praised and encouraged will develop a belief in themselves. |