What is Erickson's school of thought?

Erik Erikson's school of thought, known as psychosocial development, posits that individuals go through eight distinct stages from infancy to adulthood, each characterized by a specific conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. Unlike Freud’s focus on psychosexual stages, Erikson emphasized social and cultural factors in personality formation. His theory highlights the importance of identity and the impact of social relationships throughout the lifespan, suggesting that successful resolution of each stage leads to a stronger sense of self and well-being.