What is the primary focus of Erikson's psychosocial development theory?

The essence of Erikson's psychosocial development theory is centered on the development of identity through various life stages. Erikson proposed that personality development occurs in a series of eight predetermined stages that span from infancy to late adulthood. Each stage is marked by a psychosocial conflict that individuals must resolve to develop a healthy personality and a sense of self.

For instance, the initial stages focus on trust versus mistrust and autonomy versus shame and doubt, teaching foundational aspects of identity. As individuals progress through the stages, they encounter challenges related to identity versus role confusion in adolescence and intimacy versus isolation in young adulthood, highlighting the critical importance of identity formation throughout life. Thus, understanding that identity is an evolving concept influenced by social relationship contexts across different life phases is key in Erikson's framework, making the development of identity through various life stages the correct focus of his theory.