Final answer:
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development includes eight stages that individuals go through across their lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood. Each stage involves a specific conflict or task that needs to be resolved for healthy personality development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erik Erikson proposed a theory of psychosocial development that includes eight stages of development:
- Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy) - Infants learn to trust or mistrust their caregivers based on consistent and responsive care.
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddlerhood) - Toddlers strive for independence and autonomy, but may develop shame and doubt if their efforts are consistently criticized or restricted.
- Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool) - Preschoolers develop a sense of purpose and take initiative in their activities, but may feel guilty if they believe they have done something wrong.
- Industry vs. Inferiority (Elementary School) - School-age children focus on mastering skills and may feel either competent or inferior based on their success in their efforts.
- Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence) - Adolescents explore different roles and identities to develop a sense of self, but may experience confusion and uncertainty in this process.
- Intimacy vs. Isolation (Early Adulthood) - Young adults form close and intimate relationships, or they may feel isolated and struggle with forming connections.
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood) - Middle-aged adults seek to contribute to society and make a positive impact, or they may feel stagnant and unproductive.
- Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood) - Older adults reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of fulfillment and integrity or despair and regret.