Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

How did Erikson depart from Freud's ideas about development?

1. Development proceeds through a series of stages

2. The developmental process is essentially complete by the end of adolescence

3. Biological drives motivate all human action

4. Social and cultural factors play critical roles in development

The correct answer is: Social and cultural factors play critical roles in development

Erikson's departure from Freud's ideas is primarily illustrated by his emphasis on social and cultural factors in development. While Freud focused on the influence of innate biological drives and the psychosexual stages of development, Erikson proposed a psychosocial approach that highlighted the impact of social relationships and cultural contexts across the lifespan. His theory encompasses eight stages, each characterized by a central conflict that individuals must resolve, showing that social interactions and cultural experiences are fundamental to psychological growth and identity formation. This perspective marks a significant shift from Freud's more deterministic view, suggesting that human development continues throughout life and is not solely driven by internal forces or confined to early childhood. Instead, Erikson's framework acknowledges that experiences with family, community, and societal changes shape an individual's development, emphasizing the importance of both external social influences and internal drives.