The phrase “means by which each psychosocial strength has its own special period of particular importance” comes from Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, where each stage of life offers a unique opportunity to build a specific strength (or virtue) such as hope, will, purpose, or fidelity.

Core idea

In Erikson’s view, human life unfolds in a sequence of stages, each marked by a central psychosocial conflict (for example, “trust vs mistrust” in infancy or “identity vs role confusion” in adolescence).

Each conflict, if handled well enough, leaves the person with a new inner strength that becomes especially important at that period in life but also carries forward into later stages.

What “special period” means

  • Each psychosocial strength has a prime time in development when conditions are best for it to emerge. For instance, basic trust is most powerfully shaped in infancy, while identity is primarily formed in adolescence.
  • These periods are “special” because social expectations, biological maturation, and typical life tasks line up to make that strength particularly relevant and easier (or harder) to develop then.

Examples across stages

  • Infancy (trust vs mistrust): The key strength is hope; consistent caregiving makes this the period where trust can most deeply take root.
  • Adolescence (identity vs role confusion): The key strength is fidelity; exploration of roles, values, and peer relationships creates a unique window for consolidating a stable sense of self.

“Means by which” in this context

The “means by which” refers to the actual processes that allow each strength to develop during its special period, such as:

  • Social interactions (family, peers, teachers, community) that either support or block growth
  • Cultural norms and expectations that shape what “success” at a stage looks like
  • Internal psychological processes like problem solving, meaning making, and coping skills

Put simply, the theory is saying that life is organized into stages where certain strengths are easier to grow, because at that moment the person’s needs, relationships, and social context all converge to make that one strength particularly important.