Which Erikson stage follows the Trust vs Mistrust phase?

The stage that follows Trust vs Mistrust in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory is indeed Autonomy vs Shame or Doubt. This stage typically occurs in early childhood, around the ages of 1 to 3 years.

During this period, children begin to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Successfully managing this phase leads to autonomy, while failure can result in feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities. Children who experience encouragement and support during this time are more likely to feel capable and develop a sense of confidence in their ability to make choices, explore new environments, and assert themselves.

In contrast, the other stages mentioned involve different aspects of psychosocial development: Initiative vs Guilt occurs later in the preschool years and focuses on initiative and leadership in play. Industry vs Inferiority emerges during the school-age years, emphasizing the development of competence through skills and accomplishments. Lastly, Intimacy vs Isolation happens in young adulthood, focusing on forming meaningful relationships. Understanding the correct sequence of these stages is crucial for grasping how Erikson conceptualized human development across a lifetime.