Erik H. Erikson’s Stages of Development

The question of how we develop across our whole lifespan preoccupied the psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik H. Erikson. His best-known contribution is the model of psychosocial development.

This model describes life as a sequence of phases, each with its own developmental task – from building trust in infancy, to seeking identity in adolescence, to questions of meaning and legacy in later life.

With each phase we navigate well, our inner strength grows: we feel safer, more open, and ready for new steps. Experiences that were less positive can leave traces and shape how we view ourselves and life. Such patterns may lead us to repeat similar situations – and at times to feel stuck.

This is where a homeopathic approach can help. When we recognise the stages in which a person’s strengths shine – and where wounds or uncertainties remain – we can use these insights directly to guide remedy selection.

Why this Development Compass?

In my homeopathic practice, Erikson’s model is a valuable compass when choosing remedies. From this grew the idea of a brief questionnaire, based on Erik H. Erikson, to prepare for treatment.

Because the model is so accessible, I felt it could also be useful beyond therapy – as a way to learn more about oneself. That became this online questionnaire, the “Development Compass” – for anyone curious to see how their personal answers reflect Erikson’s stages.

How the Compass works

You’ll see questions with nine answer options each. Every question and every answer is linked to a specific developmental stage. After the final question you’ll immediately receive a summary showing how often each stage appears in your answers, plus a short note on developmental opportunities and challenges for each stage.

The questionnaire runs entirely on your device. No data are stored or transmitted – your answers never leave your browser. At the end you can print or save your personal results as a PDF. Once you leave or close the page, everything is cleared.

Ready?

Take a little time and answer intuitively.
Don’t overthink it – choose the option that resonates most.
If you discover something new about yourself along the way: wonderful.
If not, I hope you still enjoyed the process.
This page uses a friendly “you” to speak directly to you.

Your Development Compass