Erikson's Theory proposes how many stages?

Erikson's Theory proposes how many stages?

• A. Five
• B. Eight
• C. Six
• D. Seven

Answer: (B)

Erikson's Theory is tested on how many stages it includes. The theory maps eight distinct psychosocial stages across the lifespan, from infancy through old age, each presenting a central crisis that shapes personality if resolved well. The eight stages are trust vs mistrust (hope), autonomy vs shame and doubt (will), initiative vs guilt (purpose), industry vs inferiority (competence), identity vs role confusion (fidelity), intimacy vs isolation (love), generativity vs stagnation (care), and integrity vs despair (wisdom). Because Erikson intentionally lays out eight separate stages, eight is the correct count. The other options don’t match his framework, which specifically outlines eight stages across the lifespan.

Erikson's Theory is tested on how many stages it includes. The theory maps eight distinct psychosocial stages across the lifespan, from infancy through old age, each presenting a central crisis that shapes personality if resolved well. The eight stages are trust vs mistrust (hope), autonomy vs shame and doubt (will), initiative vs guilt (purpose), industry vs inferiority (competence), identity vs role confusion (fidelity), intimacy vs isolation (love), generativity vs stagnation (care), and integrity vs despair (wisdom). Because Erikson intentionally lays out eight separate stages, eight is the correct count. The other options don’t match his framework, which specifically outlines eight stages across the lifespan.