Whose theory includes eight stages of psychosocial development involving crises for identity formation?

The theory that encompasses eight stages of psychosocial development, each characterized by a specific crisis crucial for identity formation, is attributed to Erik Erikson. Erikson proposed that individuals progress through these stages throughout their lives, from infancy to old age, and each stage presents a crucial conflict that must be resolved to foster healthy psychological development. Successfully navigating these stages helps individuals develop a strong sense of self and contributes positively to their social relationships.

The significance of Erikson’s theory lies in its focus on the social and emotional aspects of identity formation, contrasting with other theorists who emphasize different dimensions of development. For example, Kohlberg is renowned for his work on moral development rather than psychosocial crises. Piaget is known for his theories in cognitive development, and Montessori’s approach is centered around educational methods rather than psychosocial stages. Thus, Erikson's emphasis on psychosocial crises makes his theory uniquely pertinent when discussing identity formation.