How does Erikson's theory view psychosocial development?

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is characterized as a series of stages that involve conflict resolution. Each of the eight stages represents a critical period in an individual's life where they must confront and resolve different psychosocial challenges, such as trust versus mistrust in infancy or identity versus role confusion during adolescence. Successfully navigating these conflicts helps individuals develop a healthy personality and a strong sense of self. This emphasis on conflict resolution highlights the dynamic nature of human development, where individuals build upon previous stages while addressing new challenges throughout their lifespan.

In this context, the other perspectives would not capture the essential nature of Erikson's theory. For instance, viewing development as linear and sequential without overlap does not acknowledge how individuals may revisit or struggle with earlier stages as they encounter new life experiences. Similarly, the notion of distinct and isolated stages overlooks the interconnectedness of experiences and the potential for individuals to grapple with multiple psychosocial conflicts at once. Lastly, defining the theory merely as a combination of cognitive and emotional factors neglects the specific emphasis on social interactions and the influences of culture and society in shaping identity and development, which are central to Erikson's framework.