Final answer:
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines eight stages throughout the lifespan, contrasting with Freud's psychosexual theory and emphasizing social relationships and conflicts in shaping personality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychologist Erik Erikson (1902-1994) is renowned for his influential psychosocial theory of development, which expanded on Freud's psychosexual theory. Unlike Freud, Erikson argued that personality development occurs throughout the entire lifespan. He introduced the Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development, illustrating that personal growth is deeply linked to social experiences and conflicts that we must resolve. Each stage is characterized by a unique psychological struggle that contributes to a stronger sense of self upon successful resolution. Erikson highlighted the importance of societal and relational factors in shaping the ego identity, marking a distinct shift from Freud's emphasis on sex.
In detailing these stages, Erikson identified key conflicts or tasks, ranging from trust versus mistrust in infancy, to integrity versus despair in late adulthood. Successfully navigating these challenges leads to a well-adjusted personality and a robust sense of personal competence, according to Erikson. Failure to overcome these tasks can result in feelings of inadequacy. Thus, Erikson's conceptualization presents a lifespan perspective on development that considers the dynamic nature of human growth and the pivotal role of social relationships.