According to Erikson, personality development is influenced by

• A. Genetic factors
• B. Unconscious processes
• C. Social interactions
• D. Hormonal changes

Answer: (C)

Erikson’s view focuses on how people grow through their interactions with others and the social world across the entire lifespan. He proposed that personality develops as individuals navigate a series of social tasks or crises, shaped by family, peers, culture, and society, rather than by biology or inner drives alone. Each stage presents a crisis that is resolved through social engagement and feedback, building trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity, and other strengths. Because social context and relationships drive these developments, social interactions are central to shaping who we become. In contrast, genetic factors, unconscious processes, or hormonal changes are not the primary lens through which Erikson explains personality growth.