According to psychologist Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the psychological challenges in adolescence, adulthood, and middle age are:
Adolescence: Identity versus role confusion
Adulthood: Intimacy versus isolation
Middle age: Generativity versus stagnation
Erikson's theory suggests that people go through eight stages of development from infancy to late adulthood, each with a unique psychological conflict. The theory emphasizes the impact of social and cultural factors on personality development.
Stages of development:
Trust vs. mistrust: Infancy (0–1 year)
Autonomy vs. shame and doubt: Toddler years (1–3 years)
Initiative vs. guilt: Preschool years (3–5 years)
Industry vs. inferiority: Middle school years (6–11 years)
Identity vs. role confusion: Teen years (12–18 years)
Intimacy vs. isolation: Young adulthood (18–40 years)
Generativity vs. stagnation: Middle age (40–65 years)
Integrity vs. despair: Older adulthood (65+ years)
Erikson's theory has influenced many fields of study, including personality development, identity formation, and life cycle development.
