A theory from a similar realm as Maslow’s theory of self-actualization is Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development.
Erik Erikson, a German-American psychologist, believed that one’s personality forms through eight fixed, sequential stages of psychosocial development—from early childhood all the way into adulthood.
In each stage, the individual undergoes a psychosocial critical point that has either a negative or positive impact on their personality growth.
These critical points involve the needs of the person contrasted by societal needs, hence the term “psychosocial”.
The eight stages of psychosocial development are:
- Trust vs. Mistrust, which develops the virtue of hope.
- Autonomy vs. Shame, which develops the virtue of will.
- Initiative vs. Guilt, which develops the virtue of purpose.
- Industry vs. Inferiority, which develops the virtue of competency.
- Identity vs. Role Confusion, which develops the virtue of fidelity.
- Intimacy vs. Isolation, which develops the virtue of love.
- Generativity vs. Stagnation, which develops the virtue of care.
- Ego Integrity vs. Despair, which develops the virtue of wisdom.
When somebody overcomes one of these stages, they form a better personality and become more virtuous.
On the other end of the spectrum, when somebody does not overcome one of these stages, they become stuck until they do—which can lead to a poorer personality and overall existence.
Therefore, according to Erikson, the completion of every single stage is absolutely necessary for one’s personality to fully flourish (https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html).
The Art of Personal Growth 