Finding Meaning Through Life's Stages
How our age impacts our values from birth to late adulthood.
Posted February 7, 2018
The meaning of life is a giant topic—one that has preoccupied theologians, philosophers, scholars, and humankind throughout time. All kinds of theories have been posited, but have you ever noticed that your own personal viewpoint has changed over the years? For instance, your 5-year-old self might have said that the meaning of life is about learning the alphabet in order to have recess while your 19-year-old self may have suggested that meaning is about finding love. Whatever the answers, it does seem to change over one's lifetime. That's why Erik H. Erickson was pretty brilliant when he suggested in the late 1950's that people experience specific "psychosocial stages" during their life. Some of these stages borrow (but slightly differ) from Sigmund Freud , while others are added to address all of one's living years. Many lifestage theories have come about since Erikson, but you'll find strong similarities. This post is dedicated to Erikson and remembers his original stages. Take a look at them and think about how they match up to your life experiences.
0-18 months Trust vs. Mistrust Does infant have enough loving and nurturing to develop a sense of trust or does infant become distrustful when not consistently nurtured or heard? According to John Bowlby's Attachment Theory , this is where a secure, avoidant or anxious attachment comes into play.
18 months to 2 or 3 years Autonomy vs. Shame or Doubt This is where the child begins to recognize their independence. A parent's reaction to this stage can create feelings of autonomy and self-esteem or, it is suggested, that an over-bearing and punishing parent can make child feel doubt, shame and lead to lower self-esteem throughout life.
2 or 3-6 years Initiative vs. Guilt This is an extension of the previous stage where a child recognizes independence and takes initiative through individual acts. The child begins to develop a sense of responsibility for their own actions. Again, it is suggested that a parent's reaction will result in a child feeling guilty about this expression of independence or validated to take initiative.
6-11 years Industry vs. Inferiority Typically, a child at age 4 will begin to play with (interactively) other children. Similarly, this stage involves a child developing a sense of self-worth via interactions with peers. In addition, teachers and the educational environment play a critical role in helping the child to feel encouraged and industrious or insecure and inferior.
11 years to teen years Identity vs. Identity Diffusion Not surprisingly, this is the most well-known stage of identity development. The teenager develops an identity by literally trying out different "selves" and finding one that fits. Peers, role models and social pressure play a part in this developmental stage.
Late Teen to Early Adulthood Intimacy vs. Isolation The preoccupation with this stage is developing close relationships and achieving intimacy. Think marriage , partnership, family, religious commitment, career achievement...and fear of being isolated and not obtaining goals .
Middle Adulthood Generativity vs. Self-Absorption Assuming intimacy has been achieved, generativity now takes hold. How can one give back to their community and feel their contributions are worthwhile? The other side of the struggle is that one does not give back and remains self-absorbed.
This last stage is about looking back at one's life, facing death and overcoming despair. Integrity is about integrating the experiences of one's life and finding a sense of satisfaction and meaning.
Share this post Facebook Bluesky Linkedin Email
There was a problem adding your email address. Please try again.
By submitting your information you agree to the Psychology Today Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Kimberly Key, Ph.D., is past division president of the American Counseling Association and author of The Remembered Soul: Sacred Healing in a Forgetful World.
Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.
This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.