Psychosocial Development Theory

Psychosocial Development Theory, proposed by Erik Erikson, outlines eight stages that individuals go through from infancy to old age. Each stage presents a key conflict or challenge, such as trust versus mistrust in infancy or integrity versus despair in old age. Successfully resolving these conflicts leads to healthy emotional and social development, while failure may result in difficulties later in life. This theory emphasizes the importance of social relationships and cultural context in shaping our identity and development over time, highlighting that personal growth is a lifelong journey influenced by our experiences and interactions with others.