Which of the following is a basic concept of psychosocial theory?

• A. Operant conditioning
• B. Maslow's hierarchy
• C. Stages of development
• D. Genetic determinism

Answer: (C)

Psychosocial theory develops personality through a sequence of stages, each presenting a social–emotional challenge that shapes the person as they move forward. Erikson’s framework outlines eight stages—from trust vs mistrust in infancy to integrity vs despair in old age—where successfully resolving each crisis contributes to a stable sense of self and virtues like hope, autonomy, and identity. This is why the concept of stages of development is the best fit here. Operant conditioning comes from behaviorism and explains how behavior is shaped by reinforcement and punishment. Maslow’s hierarchy belongs to humanistic psychology and maps a progression of needs, not psychosocial stage theory. Genetic determinism emphasizes biological determinants over social-psychological processes.