What aspect is emphasized in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development over Freud's psychosexual development?

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development places a strong emphasis on the importance of social relationships and the impact of social dynamics throughout the lifespan. Unlike Freud's psychosexual development theory, which primarily focuses on the influence of biological drives and instincts during early childhood stages, Erikson expanded this perspective to include the social and emotional challenges individuals face as they progress through different life stages.

In Erikson's view, successful navigation of these psychosocial conflicts leads to the development of a healthy personality and the acquisition of important virtues. Each stage of Erikson's theory is defined by a specific conflict that is related to social interaction, such as trust versus mistrust in infancy or intimacy versus isolation in young adulthood. This highlights the role of relationships with caregivers, peers, and society, underscoring how these connections shape individual identity and personal growth.

The other aspects, such as biological drives, consciousness, and impulsive behavior, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the central theme of Erikson's model. Instead, the model focuses on social development and the social environment's role in human psychology across a lifetime.