What is the psy psychosocial theory?

The psychosocial theory, developed by Erik Erikson, emphasizes the impact of social experiences across the lifespan on psychological development. It outlines eight stages, each characterized by a specific conflict that individuals must navigate, such as trust versus mistrust in infancy or identity versus role confusion during adolescence. Successful resolution of these conflicts leads to healthy psychological development, while failure can result in difficulties later in life. This theory highlights the interplay between individual psychology and social influences.