What distinguishes Erik Erikson's theory of human development from Sigmund Freud's theory?

Erik Erikson's theory of human development is distinguished from Sigmund Freud's theory primarily by its emphasis on psychosocial aspects rather than psychosexual ones. While Freud's theory is centered around the idea that personality development is driven by a series of stages focused on the resolution of sexual and aggressive urges, Erikson proposed that development is influenced by social relationships and challenges encountered at various life stages.

Erikson formulated eight stages of development, each characterized by a specific conflict that serves as a turning point in development. These conflicts are centered around social and emotional challenges, shaping an individual's self-identity and social relationships throughout their lifespan. This focus on the psychosocial environment highlights the role of culture and society in fostering individual growth, contrasting sharply with Freud's narrower lens on internal drives and conflicts.

Additionally, while Erikson does include a more extensive framework of stages compared to Freud's focus on five psychosexual stages, the primary distinction is rooted in the psychosocial nature of Erikson's model, which looks at how social interactions and experiences influence personal development. This approach provides a broader and more holistic understanding of human growth and development, appealing to both social and psychological contexts.