Psychosocial Development

Psychosocial development refers to the development of personality, including social skills and attitudes. The most influential theory on psychosocial development throughout the life span is Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. According to this theory, individuals develop through eight predetermined and interrelated stages. At each stage, individuals face a psychosocial challenge or crisis, which consists of opposing psychological and sociocultural needs. A psychosocial crisis is not a catastrophe, but rather a turning point at which individuals are especially vulnerable, but also have great potential for development and well-being. How one resolves a particular crisis is affected by the resolution of preceding stages and in turn affects how successfully crises of subsequent stages are resolved. Failing to adequately resolve a crisis might result in a more ...