Describe the stages of psychosocial development, and the interaction of opposites, the basic strengths and pathologies of each stage.

A man named, oddly enough, Erik Erikson came up with this
idea.  He developed a list of 7 stages of "psychosocial"
development:

1. HOPE
   --"trust versus mistrust." An infant is unable to take care of itself,
   and must rely on caregivers.  If those caregivers are good at meeting the child's needs,
   such as for food, safety, and love, that child will grow up trusting that others are
   capable of doing so. If the parents do not meet those needs it will grow up mistrusting
   others.


2. WILL --"autonomy
   versus doubt." Infants begin to explore the world and satisfy some of their own needs.
   They are more mobile and capable of interacting with the world and developing unique
   interests. If parents nurture this and provide opportunities for growth, children will
   become independent. If parents restrict their child too much, or do too many things for
   the child that they could do on their own, he or she will begin doubting their ability
   to solve problems.


3. PURPOSE
   --"initiative versus guilt." This is trickier one.  At this time, around
   pre-school and kindergarten, the development of goals begins to occur.  Children start
   wanting to be more independent and make some of their own decisions. They undertake
   activities with the idea that they are trying to accomplish something. If caregivers
   encourage this, while also teaching about limits, the child will develop and be willing
   to take certain risks to achieve goals.  If the child is restricted, or if parents see
   their desires as unimportant, the child will develop a sense of "guilt" about their
   needs and retreat.


4. COMPETENCE
   --"Industry vs. Inferiority."  Interests continue to develop and children
   begin to understand the concepts of "good and bad, right and wrong."  They learn that
   sometimes hard work needs to take the place of immediate pleasures.  If their efforts
   toward creation and learning are encouraged, they will adopt these values in the future
   to strive for goals through education and discipline.  If they are not given
   opportunities to succeed, or they fail at the ones they are given, they will consider
   themselves "not good enough" and stop
   trying.


5. FIDELITY -- This
   covers the high school years and is about "identity vs. role confusion."  During this
   time kids transition into adults. They make their own choices about their beliefs and
   try to find their place in the world. Given time and support they will solidify their
   identity and be prepared for adulthood.  Otherwise, they will develop shifting, confused
   ideas about
   self.


6. LOVE--"intimacy vs.
   isolation." Once teenagers figure out "who they are," they are capable of reciprocal
   relationships in their 20's. Proper previous development allows this, while failure
   during earlier stages makes this difficult.
   


7. CARE--"Generatively vs.
   Stagnation" Between about 40 and 65 people develop the need to feel like their life has
   some meaning by being an asset to society.  Those who meet this need, through their work
   or volunteerism, feel fulfilled.  Those who don't slip toward becoming isolated and
   frustrated over their lack of
   contribution.


8. WISDOM--"Ego
   Integrity vs. Despair."  During our later years, retrospection occurs.  If people look
   back on a happy, productive life, they feel satisfied. If they look back on a selfish
   life with unfulfilled goals or a lack of meaning, they become
   depressed.

I don't have enough words left in
the ol' word count to go into the strengths of each phase, but you should be able to
suss them out.