Stages of Life

The stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson and Abraham Maslow are often pitted in direct opposition. However, they are practically identical; the only real difference is that Erikson added ages to the stages.

Erik Erikson's stages:

Stage One
Ages 0–2 years old; establishment of Hopes.
Conflict: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust
Guardian: Mother
Existential Question: Can I Trust The World?
Needs: Feeding

Stage Two
Ages 2–4 years old; establishment of Will
Conflict: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Guardian: Parents
Existential Question: Is It Ok To Be Me?
Needs: Toilet Training, Clothing Themselves

Stage Three
Ages 4–5 years old; establishment of Purpose
Conflict: Initiative vs. Guilt
Guardian: Family
Existential Question: Is It Ok For Me To Do, Move and Act?
Needs: Exploring, Using Tools or Making Art

Stage Four
Ages 5–12 years old; establishment of Competence
Conflict: Industry vs. Inferiority
Guardian: Neighbors, School
Existential Question: Can I Make It In The World Of People And Things?
Needs: School, Sports

Stage Five
Ages 13–19 years old; establishment of Fidelity
Conflict: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Guardian: Peers, Role Model
Existential Question: Who Am I? What Can I Be?
Needs: Social Relationships

Stage Six
Ages 20–24 years; establishment of Love
Conflict: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Guardian: Friends, Partners
Existential Question: Can I Love?
Needs: Romantic Relationships

Stage Seven
Ages 25–64 years old; establishment of Care
Conflict: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Guardian: Household, Workmates
Existential Question: Can I Make My Life Count?
Needs: Work, Parenthood

Stage Eight
Ages 65-death; establishment of Wisdom
Conflict: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Guardian: Mankind, My Kind
Existential Question: Is It Ok To Have Been Me?
Needs: Reflection on Life

Maslow's hierarchy of needs:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Maslow%27s_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg