Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

Erikson, psychosocial development, lifespan, stages, crisis

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory is comprised of eight stages, ranging from birth through adulthood (Berk, 2014).  Central to each stage is a crisis where individuals work toward a positive or negative resolution.  Although a negative resolution of a stage does not guarantee negative resolutions for future stages, a negative resolution could influence the outcome of future stages.  Erikson is considered a neo-Freudian and used Freud's theory of personality as a foundation for his own. However, Erikson's theory is termed a psychosocial theory because the focus is on individuals' relationships with others.

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