Understanding how children grow—mentally, emotionally, and socially—has been the focus of developmental psychology for over a century. Two of the most influential figures in this field, Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget, developed distinct but complementary theories to explain the stages of human development.| The Psychology Notes Headquarters
The first year of life is a time of rapid growth and profound transformation. For developmental psychologist Erik Erikson, this period is marked by the psychosocial conflict of trust versus mistrust—the first of eight critical stages in his psychosocial theory of development.| The Psychology Notes Headquarters
The preschool years—roughly ages 3 to 6—are marked by a surge in curiosity, imagination, and social interaction. This is the period Erik Erikson identified as the third stage of psychosocial development: Initiative vs. Guilt.| The Psychology Notes Headquarters
As infants grow into toddlers, they begin to assert their will, explore their environment, and develop a sense of self apart from their caregivers. According to Erik Erikson, this critical phase—typically occurring between 18 months and 3 years—marks the second stage of psychosocial development: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.| The Psychology Notes Headquarters
As children enter elementary school, the world expands beyond the home. Classrooms, peers, assignments, and evaluations become central to their daily lives. This shift marks a new psychosocial challenge in Erik Erikson’s theory of development : the stage of Industry vs. Inferiority, typically occurring between the ages of 6 and 12.| The Psychology Notes Headquarters