Erikson's stages focus on what aspect of development?

Erikson's stages of development emphasize psychosocial challenges that individuals face at different points in their lives. Each stage is defined by a specific conflict or task that must be resolved in order for a person to develop a healthy personality and acquire basic virtues. For example, during the first stage, "Trust vs. Mistrust," an infant learns to trust their caregivers and the world around them if their needs are consistently met. Successfully navigating these psychosocial challenges is crucial for personal growth and influences relationships and behaviors later in life. This framework helps to understand how social relationships and experiences shape an individual's identity and mental health throughout their lifespan.

The other options do not encapsulate the core of Erikson's developmental theory, which is inherently focused on the interplay between the individual and their social environment rather than solely on physical, cognitive, or behavioral changes alone.