How many stages of development did Erik Erikson propose in his theory?

Erik Erikson proposed eight stages of development in his psychosocial theory, which spans from infancy to late adulthood. Each stage represents a critical period in an individual's life where they face specific psychosocial challenges or conflicts that need to be resolved. Successful resolution of these challenges leads to the development of a healthy personality and the acquisition of basic virtues.

Erikson's stages are characterized by opposing developmental challenges, such as trust versus mistrust in infancy and integrity versus despair in later life. Each stage builds upon the previous ones, highlighting the importance of social relationships and culture in shaping personal development across the lifespan. This comprehensive framework allows for understanding how personality evolves through various life experiences and interactions.