Final answer:
Erik Erikson's epigenetic principle states that development is a lifelong process influenced by social interactions. Erikson's psychosocial development theory outlines eight stages through which individuals evolve, emphasizing social experiences over genetic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erik Erikson's epigenetic principle is integral to his theory of psychosocial development. According to Erikson, development is a lifelong process influenced by social interactions. This reflects his belief that while we are born with a certain genetic makeup, our interactions and experiences throughout life significantly influence our growth and development. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is C. Development is a lifelong process influenced by social interactions.
Erikson proposed that the development of ego identity was the key element of his theory, which is shaped primarily by the outcomes of social tasks and interactions that we face across different stages of life, from infancy to old age. In contrast to Freud, who emphasized sexual stages in early life, Erikson focused on the psychosocial aspect and suggested that an individual's personality continuously evolves due to social experiences. His eight stages of development each represent critical periods in which the successful negotiation of social tasks results in the strengthening of our ego identity.