Late infancy is the stage of 'autonomy versus shame and doubt'. In this stage autonomy is the ability to control one's own actions, such as successful toileting. An inability to learn such control may result in feelings of shame and doubt. Early childhood is the stage of 'initiative versus guilt'. The child is confronted with the conflict of relationships with parents and unresolved feelings of love and hate.
Middle childhood is the stage of 'industry versus inferiority'.
During this stage, the child's cognitive knowledge, physical abilities, and social relationships are expanded. Upon comparison of self with others, the child ultimately measures how he or she compares to peers. If the child feels incompetent and inferior, as opposed to competent and adequate, his or her interactions with others will differ than if the child feels confident in how he or she compares with peers. During the storm and stress of adolescent years, the child is confronted with the universally known stage of Erickson's theory 'identity versus identity confusion'. Resolution of the conflict associated with identity marks the end of childhood and the emergence of adult role-taking in society.