
The focus of this stage is to contribute to society and the next generation. Stage 7: Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. They may develop long-term feelings of loneliness.

Many find emotional benefits from having a committed, lifelong bond.

They can grow into adults who are able to follow their ambitions.

Initiative: When caregivers nurture these tendencies, children learn how to make decisions and plan for the future.Preschoolers are increasingly focused on doing things themselves and establishing their own goals. If caregivers foster excessive dependence, the child may learn to doubt their own abilities. Shame: Children whose caregivers discourage them may develop feelings of shame.When caregivers encourage independence, children will feel secure enough to take risks. Autonomy: In this stage, caregivers often serve as a safe base from which to explore the world.They also develop basic skills such as toilet training. They learn more about their environment and their place within it. Shame and Self-Doubtĭuring this phase, young childrenbegin exploring the world around them.

They may learn they cannot rely on others and thus feel unsafe. Mistrust: If caregivers neglect an infants’ needs, or if care is sporadic, an infant may grow insecure.As caregivers fill an infant’s needs, the baby can develop a sense of trust and security. Trust: When caregivers respond promptly to an infant’s cries, the baby can learn to rely on others.Infants learn to trust others based upon how well caregivers meet their needs. Infants depend on caregivers, usually parents, for basic needs such as food.
