What is a key requirement to progress through Erikson's stages of development?

To successfully progress through Erikson's stages of development, resolving the conflict presented at each stage is essential. Erikson's theory posits that each stage has a specific psychosocial conflict that individuals need to navigate. These conflicts are fundamental challenges faced by individuals as they develop, and successfully resolving them leads to a stronger sense of identity and the ability to face future conflicts with greater resilience.

For example, in the early stages, conflicts like trust versus mistrust or autonomy versus shame and doubt must be adequately addressed for healthy emotional and social development. When individuals confront and resolve these conflicts, they build positive virtues that contribute to their overall psychological growth and social relationships.

This process of resolution is not merely an intellectual exercise but involves emotional and experiential learning as well, making it a crucial component of advance through Erikson's proposed stages.