Final answer:
Erik Erikson developed a theory of psychosocial development with eight stages of personality development across the lifespan, emphasizing social interactions and challenges. Adolescents face the task of identity versus role confusion, while older adults deal with integrity versus despair.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychologist Erik Erikson (1902-1994) is renowned for developing the psychosocial theory of development, which outlines eight stages of personality development over an individual's lifespan. Contrary to Sigmund Freud, who emphasized psychosexual stages and believed personality to be primarily established in early childhood, Erikson's psychosocial theory posits that personality development continues throughout life and is significantly influenced by our interactions with others and the social challenges we face.
In adolescence, the challenge outlined by Erikson is identity versus role confusion. This stage is crucial as adolescents work towards developing a strong sense of self. Successful navigation of this stage leads to a well-defined personal identity, whereas failure can result in uncertainty and confusion about one's future and place in the world.
In the later stage of life, Erikson's developmental task for older adults is integrity versus despair, where the challenge is to reflect on one's life and derive a sense of fulfillment and wisdom, as opposed to feeling regret and disappointment over past life events.