Final answer:
Erikson's theory allows for progression through development stages even without task completion, but this may result in unresolved issues affecting later well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory of development, individuals proceed through eight stages of development from infancy to late adulthood. Erikson posited that each stage is characterized by a psychosocial conflict that must be resolved in order to achieve a sense of competence and a healthy personality. Yet, if an individual does not successfully complete the tasks at one stage, it is still possible to move on to the next stage, potentially with some psychological consequences. Given Erikson’s theory, such an individual may feel a sense of inadequacy or struggle with the developmental task of that particular stage later in life.
For instance, in the stage of integrity versus despair in late adulthood, individuals reflect on their lives. Those with unresolved issues from earlier stages may face this period with a sense of failure, leading to despair. Others may develop a sense of integrity if they are able to resolve these tasks successfully. The idea is that while one can proceed through the stages without mastering each task, the failure to do so can result in emotional and psychological baggage that may affect the individual's well-being.