Human Development, Diversity & Behavior in the Environment

Trust vs. Mistrust. Consistent, responsive caregiving builds basic trust and the virtue of hope; unreliable care fosters mistrust.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. Toddlers assert independence (toileting, choices); success yields will, failure yields shame and doubt.

Industry vs. Inferiority. Children master skills and tasks valued by society; competence yields the virtue of competence, repeated failure yields inferiority.

Identity vs. Role Confusion. Teens explore values, roles, and a coherent sense of self; success yields fidelity, failure yields role confusion.

Intimacy vs. Isolation. Forming committed, intimate relationships; success yields love, failure yields isolation and loneliness.

Integrity vs. Despair. Reflecting on life with acceptance and meaning yields wisdom; regret and unresolved conflict yield despair.