Final answer:
Erikson's psychosocial theory of development outlines eight stages of personality development that occur throughout an individual's life, emphasizing the lifelong process of development through social interactions and challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Theory of Development
The psychosocial theory of development by Erik Erikson is a cornerstone in understanding lifespan development. Contrary to Freud's emphasis on psychosexual stages primarily in early childhood, Erikson introduced eight stages of development that span from birth to late adulthood. Unlike Freud's theory, which suggested personality is largely formed by the end of childhood, Erikson proposed that personality development is a lifelong process, continuously shaped by our social environment and experiences.
Erikson believed that an individual goes through each of these stages at certain times in their life, facing unique psychosocial conflicts that must be resolved to develop a sense of competence. The resolution of these conflicts either leads to psychological strengths and healthy personality or, if poorly resolved, to difficulties. Crucially, while there is an orderly sequence in the stages, the timing can vary depending on individual life circumstances and cultural expectations.
The psychosocial tasks associated with each stage emphasize the importance of social relationships and challenges that have the potential to impact one's sense of identity throughout life. For instance, the challenge of 'integrity versus despair' in late adulthood is a reflective period where individuals look back on their life achievements and failures.