Which psychologist developed a theory of psychosocial development focusing on reconciling individual needs with the needs of society through stages?

• A. Erik Erikson
• B. Sigmund Freud
• C. Jean Piaget
• D. B. F. Skinner

Answer: (A)

Understanding how people balance their own needs with what society expects at each life stage is the idea behind this question. Erik Erikson developed a theory of psychosocial development that spans the entire lifespan, outlining eight stages from infancy to old age. In each stage, a central psychosocial crisis must be resolved, and success yields a stronger sense of self and better social functioning; unresolved conflicts can complicate later relationships and roles. This focus on reconciling personal needs with social demands across different ages through distinct stages is what makes Erikson the best fit. By contrast, Freud centers on psychosexual energy and early childhood drives, Piaget describes changes in thinking and reasoning, and Skinner explains behavior through reinforcement, none of which specifically frame development as a series of stages focused on balancing internal needs with society.