He was a Danish-German American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on psychological development of human beings.

This theory includes various psychosocial crises where each conflict builds off the previous stages.

How many stages does Psychosocial Development model has?

The first stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development occurs between birth and 1 year of age and is the most fundamental stage in life.

Because an infant is utterly dependent, developing trust is based on the dependability and quality of the child's caregivers.

At this point in development, the child is utterly dependent upon adult caregivers for everything they need to survive including food, love, warmth, safety, and nurturing.

If a child successfully develops trust, the child will feel safe and secure in the world.

Caregivers who are inconsistent, emotionally unavailable, or rejecting contribute to feelings of mistrust in the children under their care.

Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.

The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development taken place during early childhood and is focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control.

At this point in development, children are just starting to gain a little independence. They are starting to perform basic actions on their own and making simple decisions about what they prefer.

By allowing kids to make choices and gain control, parents and caregivers can help children develop a sense of autonomy.

The essential theme of this stage is that children need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Potty training plays an important role in helping children develop this sense of autonomy.

Erikson believed that learning to control one's bodily functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of independence. Success during this stage of psychosocial development leads to feelings of autonomy; failure results in feelings of shame and doubt.

The third stage of psychosocial development takes place during the preschool years.

At this point in psychosocial development, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social interactions

Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to lead others and a sense of purpose

Those who fail to acquire these skills are left with a sense of guilt, self-doubt, and lack of initiative.

The fourth psychosocial stage takes place during the early school years from 0 approximately ages 5 to 11.

Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities.

Children need to cope with new social and academic demands.

Those who fail to acquire these skills are left with a sense of guilt, self-doubt, and lack of initiative.

Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills.

Those who receive little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers will doubt their abilities to be successful.

The fifth psychosocial stage takes place during the often turbulent teenage years.

This stage plays an essential role in developing a sense of personal identity which will continue influence behavior and development for the rest of a person's life.

Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to yourself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self

During adolescence, children explore their independence and develop a sense of self.

Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and feelings of independence and control.

Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and confused about themselves and the future.

Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.

This stage covers the period of early adulthood people are exploring personal relationships.

Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this step will form relationships that are enduring and secure.

Erikson believed that a strong sense of personal identity was important for developing intimate relationships.

Studies have demonstrated that those with a poor sense of self tend to have less committed relationships and are more likely to struggler with emotional isolation, loneliness, and depression.

Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people.

Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

During adulthood, we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family. Those who are successful during this phase will feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home and community.

Those who fail to attain this skill will feel unproductive and uninvolved in the world.

The final psychosocial stage occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting on life.

At this point in development, people look back on the events of their lives and determine if they are happy with the life that they lived or if they regret the things they did or didn't do.

Erikson's theory differed from many others because it addressed development throughout the entire lifespan, including old age.

Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment. Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom.

Those who are unsuccessful during this stage will feel that their life has been wasted and may experience many regrets. The person will be left with feelings of bitterness and despair

The exact mechanisms for resolving conflicts and moving from one stage to the next are not well described or developed.

The theory fails to detail exactly what type of experiences are necessary at each stage in order to successfully resolve the conflicts and move to the next stage.

It provides a broad framework from which to view development throughout the entire lifespan.

It also allows us to emphasize the social nature of human beings and the important influence that social relationships have on development.