Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development explains how human identity develops and evolves through eight stages, from birth to death. Each occurs in a predetermined order; the current step builds on the previous one and lays the foundation for future steps (Wikimedia). Each stage corresponds to a specific “crisis” or conflict, a turning point in the individual’s life that must be reconciled before moving on to the next. If the conflict is managed well, the individual acquires “ego strength” in the form of a corresponding virtue. If conflict is poorly managed, not only does the individual fail to develop this virtue, but their ability to take subsequent steps is hindered, resulting in a decline in "ego quality" or psychosocial health (Erikson , 188-225). of trust versus distrust during early childhood, achieving the virtue of hope. We face the crisis of autonomy in the face of shame and doubt during early childhood, achieving the virtue of will. We face the crisis of initiative versus guilt in early childhood, achieving the virtue of purpose. We face the crisis of industry versus inferiority during adolescence, achieving the virtue of competence. We face identity crisis and role confusion in adolescence, achieving the virtue of loyalty. We face the crisis of intimacy versus isolation during adulthood, attaining the virtue of love. We face the crisis of generativity rather than stagnation during middle adulthood, achieving the virtue of care. We face the crisis of ego integrity versus despair in late adulthood, attaining the virtue of wisdom (Wikimedia). According to Erikson, someone my age should be facing the crisis of intimacy versus isolation. A positive result brings the virtue of love and characterizes...... middle of paper...... a much more protean nature than Erikson explains. Regardless of the positive resolution of your conflicts, there are certain rare events that have such an impact that they can shake your psychosocial foundations, forcing you to step back and revisit steps previously taken. Works Cited Erikson, EH and Coles, R. (2000). Human strength and the cycle of generations. The Erik Erikson Reader (pp. 188-225). New York: W. W. Norton. McKay, A. (nd). Intimacy or isolation stage: lesson, examples and quizzes. Retrieved April 6, 2014 from http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/intimacy-versus-isolation-stage-lesson-examples-quiz.html#lessonWikimedia Foundation, Inc. (nd). Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved April 23, 2014 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erikson%27s_stages_of_psychosocial_development