Who is known for the theory of psychosocial development in childhood?

The theory of psychosocial development was proposed by Erik Erikson, who emphasized the impact of social experiences across the entire lifespan. Erikson's model outlines eight stages of psychosocial development, each characterized by a specific conflict or challenge that contributes to an individual's growth and personality formation. In childhood, particularly, Erikson highlighted stages such as trust versus mistrust and autonomy versus shame and doubt, which illustrate how early relationships and interactions with caregivers can profoundly influence a child's emotional and social development.

Unlike Freud, who focused primarily on psychosexual stages and internal drives, Erikson placed a greater emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of development, considering both individual growth and social influences. While Vygotsky made important contributions regarding social learning and cognitive development, and Piaget focused on cognitive processes in children, it is Erikson's framework that distinctly addresses the complex interplay of social factors and personal identity formation during childhood.