What aspect of learning does Erikson’s psychosocial development theory address?

Erikson's psychosocial development theory primarily addresses the impact of social and emotional factors on an individual's development throughout their life. This theory posits that individuals go through a series of eight stages, each characterized by a central conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. For example, during early childhood, the conflict revolves around initiative versus guilt, which can greatly influence a child's self-esteem and social relationships.

Erikson emphasized the role of social interactions and experiences in shaping personality and learning, suggesting that emotional support and social relationships are pivotal in moving through these stages successfully. This approach highlights how feelings of trust, autonomy, and competence, fostered by social contexts, significantly affect a person’s ability to learn and adapt, making social and emotional factors crucial in the learning process.

The other options focus on aspects not central to Erikson's theory: genetic factors pertain more to biological influences on learning, the role of play aligns closely with cognitive development theories like those of Piaget, and addressing basic needs typically refers to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, rather than being Erikson's focus.