Erik Erikson, a stage theorist, adapted Freud's theory to emphasize social factors in personality development throughout life, a concept known as psychosocial development. Unlike Freud, who focused on early childhood, Erikson believed that personality evolves across eight life stages, each marked by a specific challenge or "crisis." Successful resolution of each stage fosters competence, while failure may lead to feelings of inadequacy.

The first four of Erikson's eight psychosocial stages focus on childhood, with each stage connected to the developmental activities typical of that age:

Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, birth to 1 year): In this initial stage, infants rely on caregivers to establish trust in their environment. Responsive caregiving builds trust, helping infants feel secure in a predictable and nurturing world. A lack of trust at this stage can hinder future relationships.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddlerhood, 1 to 3 years): Toddlers start to assert independence, gaining control over their actions, including milestones like toilet training. When they are allowed to make choices and exert some control, they develop confidence and autonomy. If restricted, they may experience shame and doubt about their abilities.

Initiative vs. Guilt (Early Childhood, 3 to 6 years): At this stage, children actively explore their interests, take on new roles, and form friendships. They seek to contribute to the activities around them, often showing a desire to help adults. Positive reinforcement of their initiative helps them develop a sense of responsibility, while excessive criticism may lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety.

Industry vs. Inferiority (Middle to Late Childhood, 7 to 11 years): As children begin formal schooling, they focus on learning and developing competence in academic and social skills. This stage emphasizes productivity and achievement. Successfully mastering these skills fosters a sense of industry, while repeated setbacks may result in feelings of inferiority.

According to Erikson, successful progression through these stages builds autonomy and self-confidence, laying the groundwork for healthy psychological development in later life.