What is Erik Erikson known for developing in his theory?

Erik Erikson is best known for his theory of psychosocial development, which outlines eight stages of social and emotional development that an individual passes through from infancy to late adulthood. Each stage is characterized by a specific conflict or challenge that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. Successfully navigating these stages contributes to a positive sense of self and emotional well-being, while failure to address these conflicts can lead to difficulties in later stages. Erikson’s work has been influential in understanding how social relationships and life experiences shape personality and behavior throughout one's lifespan, making his theory relevant in both educational and therapeutic settings. This emphasis on the stages of development and their social and emotional implications clearly differentiates his contributions from other theories related to addiction, emotional regulation, or learning styles, which are not part of his framework.