Final answer:
Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory of development describes eight stages of personality development that continue across the lifespan. Each stage features a unique conflict that individuals must resolve to achieve a healthy personality. This theory emphasizes the importance of social interactions in shaping personality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychosocial Theory of Development
Psychologist Erik Erikson (1902-1994) is known for his influential theory of personality and psychosocial development. His theory extends across the entire lifespan, proposing that personality development occurs through eight stages, each characterized by a distinct conflict or task. Unlike Sigmund Freud, who focused on psychosexual development during early childhood, Erikson emphasized that personality development continues throughout life and is shaped by social interactions and experiences.
Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development are:
- Trust vs. Mistrust
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- Initiative vs. Guilt
- Industry vs. Inferiority
- Identity vs. Role Confusion
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Generativity vs. Stagnation
- Integrity vs. Despair
At each stage, individuals must navigate these conflicts to develop a sense of competence and a healthy personality. Failure to successfully resolve these conflicts can result in feelings of inadequacy. Thus, Erikson's theory provides a framework for understanding how social experiences throughout life contribute to personality development.