What was the main idea behind Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development?

• A. Personality is fixed at birth
• B. Personality development ends in adolescence
• C. Personality develops across one's lifespan
• D. Personality is determined by genetics

Answer: (C)

Personality develops across the lifespan, shaped by psychosocial crises encountered from infancy to old age. Erikson’s theory maps eight stages, each with a central challenge that, when resolved, builds a healthier sense of self and yields core strengths like trust, autonomy, identity, and integrity. The idea is that social relationships and cultural context drive growth at every life stage, not just early childhood. This lifelong, socially influenced progression distinguishes his view from notions that personality is fixed at birth, ends in adolescence, or is determined mainly by genetics.