Final answer:
Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development describe a lifespan model emphasizing psychosocial conflicts and crises at different ages. It is a dynamic, social-focused theory highlighting how experiences from infancy to late adulthood shape personality and identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development
Erik Erikson's model of psychosocial development can be described as C) A lifespan model that emphasizes psychosocial crises. Erikson's approach extends Freud's original work, placing significant emphasis on the social and relational aspects of development across the entire lifespan. In this model, personality development is proposed to occur through eight stages, starting from infancy and progressing into late adulthood, with each stage presenting a key psychosocial conflict that must be resolved. Successful resolution leads to a sense of competence and a healthy personality, whereas failure results in feelings of inadequacy.
According to Erikson, these stages are not just limited to childhood but continue influencing an individual's development throughout their life. The tasks within Erikson's psychosocial theory of development focus on the interplay between our internal desires and societal expectations, reflecting how our interactions with others shape our identity and sense of self, a concept Erikson referred to as ego identity.
Erikson's theory is distinct from cognitive development theories, such as those of Piaget, and moral development frameworks, like Kohlberg's, as it gives prominence to social and emotional development rather than intellectual or moral progressions. Importantly, Erikson proposed that personality continues to evolve and is not finalized in childhood, offering a more dynamic view of personal growth over time.