What does Erikson mean by psychosocial development?

Erikson's concept of psychosocial development emphasizes the importance of social experiences and their influence on psychological growth throughout an individual's life span. This framework suggests that each stage of human development is characterized by specific conflicts or challenges that individuals must navigate, which ultimately shape their personality and social relationships.

In this context, psychosocial development encompasses not only the individual’s psychological changes but also how these changes occur in response to the social environment. For instance, Erikson proposed eight stages from infancy to old age, where each stage involves a specific psychosocial crisis, such as trust versus mistrust in infancy or integrity versus despair in old age. Successfully resolving these crises leads to healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self.

The incorrect choices focus on different aspects of development, such as cognitive abilities, physical skills, or educational attainment, but do not capture the interplay between social interactions and psychological processes that Erikson emphasized. Thus, the correct understanding of psychosocial development lies in the synergy of societal influences and personal growth, which is central to Erikson's theory.