Erik Erikson was a psychologist made famous for his ideas on psychosocial development. “Identity crisis” is a term he coined during his career to describe what results from the failure of a stage of psychosocial development. In Erikson's theory, children advance in a predetermined order. It focused less on cognitive development and more on how one interacts with others in social interactions. Each step in Erikson's developmental theory results in one of two outcomes. A healthy identity ensues when completion occurs within a stage as well as effective communication with others. When a step is not successfully completed, the individual may become "stuck" but can complete the step later. The first step in Erikson's theory is trust versus distrust. A child understands the meaning of trust in others by trusting his guardian. This stage begins at birth and lasts until the age of one year. If trust develops successfully, it achieves security in the world and is able to maintain that security even when threatened. If this step is not taken, it can lead to a marked inability to trust and a perception that the world is incoherent, leading to anxiety, distrust and insecurity. Empowerment from shame and doubt occurs between the ages of one and three. This is when a child begins to assert their independence by separating from caregivers, choosing their own toy, and making choices about what they prefer. If an individual at this stage is supported in his or her increased individuality, he or she will develop security in survival. If an individual is condemned, excessively controlled, or not allowed to assert their desires, they or...... middle of paper ...... are avoided, the ensuing fear can lead to isolation conducive staff. to feelings of depression. Generativity versus stagnation occurs in mid-adulthood. He founded his career and now deals with bigger things. He or she is productive by raising children, producing things at work, and connecting through organizations. If he does not achieve these goals, he feels idle in society. Self-integrity versus despair is the final stage of Erikson's theory. When an individual reaches old age, they begin to reduce their productivity and try to find new meaning in their retirement. This stage is where an individual remembers their own successes and perceives themselves as successful. When observation does not elicit a sense of accomplishment, feelings of hopelessness and defeat may arise due to unfulfilled goals.