A model based on the idea that a person’s personality development goes through eight consecutive stages in life. Each stage is characterized by a specific social conflict that must be overcome and resolved for healthy, balanced personal growth. The conflict here is not just an internal conflict, but a tension between internal psychological forces and the demands of the social environment. It is crucial for the development of personal identity, relationships, and beliefs. According to Eriksson, conflict at each stage is a test of personal and social growth, also known as a psychosocial crisis, as it usually consists of two opposing choices (conflicting internal forces). Positive conflict resolution allows a person to acquire the necessary psychological developments, while negative conflict resolution can lead to permanent emotional and social difficulties. The main features of psychosocial conflict according to Eriksson: 1) The personality of the theater. Each stage of life corresponds to its own conflict, which corresponds to a person’s abilities, as well as social and psychological needs.
2) Stress. Conflict is not just an internal or external conflict, but a confrontation between a person’s wants and needs and the expectations of society or the environment.
3) The importance of positive solutions. Constructive conflict resolution leads to the acquisition of psychological developments such as self-confidence, independence, initiative, competence, identity, intimacy, productivity, and maturity.
4) Continuous impact throughout life. Every dispute that is resolved positively makes it easier to bypass subsequent conflicts.