Who is credited with formulating the theory of psychosocial development?

The theory of psychosocial development was formulated by Erik Erikson, who proposed that human development occurs in eight stages across a person's lifespan. Each stage presents a unique conflict or challenge that individuals must navigate, which influences their psychological growth and social relationships. Erikson emphasized the importance of social interaction and cultural context in shaping personality, distinguishing his theory from others that focused primarily on individual psychological processes or stages of cognitive development.

His model starts from infancy and progresses through the various life stages, addressing themes such as trust vs. mistrust in infancy, identity vs. role confusion during adolescence, and integrity vs. despair in old age. By highlighting the significance of social relationships at each stage, Erikson's theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interplay between individual development and societal influences. This connection to social interaction is a key reason why his work is widely recognized and respected in the fields of psychology and education.

In contrast, the other individuals mentioned had different focuses: Jean Piaget is known for his theory of cognitive development which centers on how children think and learn; Sigmund Freud is recognized for his psychosexual stages of development which revolve around early childhood experiences and instincts; while Abraham Maslow is renowned for his hierarchy of needs, which frames human motivation and self