Eric Erikson

Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist famous for his theory of psychosocial development, which outlines eight stages humans encounter throughout their lives, from infancy to old age. Each stage presents a key conflict or challenge, such as trust versus mistrust in early childhood or integrity versus despair in old age. Successfully navigating these stages leads to healthy psyches and personal growth, while failure can result in difficulties later in life. Erikson’s work highlights the importance of social relationships and cultural influences in shaping identity and personal development over a lifetime.