Psychosocial Theory describes development as a sequence of stages involving psychosocial crises that influence later behavior.

• A. Analytical Psychology
• B. Psychosocial Theory
• C. Attachment Theory
• D. Ego Psychology

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is recognizing which theory describes development as a sequence of stages, each with a psychosocial crisis that shapes later behavior. This description aligns with Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory, which posits eight stages across the lifespan, each presenting a challenge that, when resolved, influences future functioning, relationships, and identity. For example, resolving trust versus mistrust in infancy lays the groundwork for healthy relationships later on. The other options refer to different theories: analytical psychology focuses on archetypes and the unconscious, attachment theory centers on early bonds and their impact on later relationships, and ego psychology emphasizes the ego and its defenses within a Freudian framework. The term that best matches the description is psychosocial theory.