Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is built on stages in which individuals must overcome a developmental obstacle to progress and face the crisis of later stages. What is this obstacle commonly described as?

• A. It comprises stages each with a crisis to resolve
• B. It is based on genetic inheritance
• C. It ignores social relationships
• D. It denies identity development

Answer: (A)

Erikson’s theory centers on psychosocial crises that act as turning points at each developmental stage. The obstacle described is this ongoing crisis in each stage—navigating it allows progression to the next stage and the development of a virtue. The statement that it comprises stages each with a crisis to resolve best captures this idea, since development unfolds through these stage-specific crises. The theory isn’t about genetic inheritance, it emphasizes social relationships and environment, and it certainly supports ongoing identity development, so the other options don’t fit the model.