Final answer:
The correct term referring to a theory of personality stages is Psychosocial Development Stages, based on Erik Erikson's theory which spans over the entire lifespan and differs from Freud's psychosexual focus. This theory identifies eight stages from birth to death with key social conflicts that shape a person's ongoing psychological development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychosocial Development Stages
In the context of the options provided (Personal Development Stages, Psychosocial Development Stages, Preconscious Development Stages, Psychological Disorder Stages), the correct term is Psychosocial Development Stages. This concept originates from the theories of the psychologist Erik Erikson, who proposed a theory of personality development that spans across one's lifetime, including eight distinct stages. From birth to death, individuals navigate these stages, each characterized by different challenges and potential growth opportunities. Erikson's theory emphasizes the social influences on development, contrasting with Freud's theory which was more focused on psychosexual development and earlier stages of life. Moreover, the psychosocial development is part of the three developmental domains explained by developmental psychologists, which are physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory was influenced, in part, by Freud's work. However, Erikson emphasized the continuous change and development of personality throughout life, noting the sociocultural factors that influence personal growth. As such, Erikson broadened the scope of developmental stages beyond the psychosexual focus presented by Freud, addressing how societal interactions contribute to a person’s ego identity.
The psychosocial stages distinctively outline the central social conflicts that individuals are expected to resolve in order to develop a healthy social and emotional life. These conflicts range from trust versus mistrust in infancy to integrity versus despair in old age. Each stage presents a critical psychological struggle that contributes to the overall shape of a person's personality and their interactions with the social world.