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Who is associated with the concept of psychosocial stages of development?

  1. Carl Jung

  2. Sigmund Freud

  3. Erik Erikson

  4. Alfred Adler

The correct answer is: Erik Erikson

The concept of psychosocial stages of development is attributed to Erik Erikson, who proposed a theory outlining eight distinct stages that individuals go through from infancy to adulthood. Each stage is characterized by a specific conflict or challenge that must be resolved for healthy psychological development to occur. For example, in the first stage, the conflict of trust vs. mistrust occurs in infancy, which establishes the foundation for future relationships and emotional health. Erikson's framework is significant because it places emphasis on social and environmental factors in addition to biological influences, highlighting the role of cultural and societal variables in personal development throughout the lifespan. This differs from other theorists such as Freud, who focused primarily on psychosexual development and unconscious drives. By integrating both psychological and social aspects, Erikson's model offers a comprehensive understanding of individual development at various life stages.