What focuses on the conflicts faced by individuals at different life stages according to Erikson?

The concept that focuses on the conflicts encountered by individuals at various stages of life is known as Psychosocial Development. Developed by Erik Erikson, this theory outlines eight distinct stages that cover the entire lifespan, from infancy to old age. Each stage is characterized by a central conflict or challenge that individuals must navigate, impacting their psychological development and personality formation.

For example, during infancy, the key conflict is Trust vs. Mistrust, where a child learns to trust caregivers and their environment. As individuals progress to adolescence, they face the conflict of Identity vs. Role Confusion, which is crucial for establishing a sense of self. Successfully resolving these conflicts leads to a healthier psychological state and contributes positively to personal development.

Other theories mentioned, such as Cognitive Theory, primarily focus on mental processes and how individuals think and learn. Behavioral Development tends to emphasize observable behaviors and the influence of the environment on actions, while the Humanistic Perspective highlights individual potential and self-actualization. These frameworks do not specifically address the conflicts across life stages as Erikson’s model does, which makes Psychosocial Development the most relevant choice in this context.