Which theory proposes that development occurs through crises faced at various life stages?

Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory is the correct choice because it specifically outlines a series of eight stages that individuals go through from infancy to late adulthood. Each stage is characterized by a fundamental conflict or crisis that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. For instance, in the first stage, the crisis of trust versus mistrust occurs during infancy, where the infant must depend on caregivers. Successfully resolving this crisis leads to a sense of trust, while failure can result in fear and suspicion.

This theory emphasizes that these crises are critical for personal growth, shaping personality and social relationships throughout life. Erikson's approach is distinct from other theories in that it integrates social and emotional aspects into development, reflecting how individuals navigate their interactions with society at different ages. While other theories like Cognitive Development Theory and Psychoanalytic Theory address aspects of development, they do not specifically frame growth as an ongoing series of crises linked to social development across the lifespan.