According to Erikson, what determines personality development?

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that personality development is significantly influenced by the interaction between an individual's internal maturational processes and the external demands of society. This means that while individuals are born with certain innate characteristics and capacities, their growth and development are equally shaped by the challenges and expectations they encounter in their social environment at various stages of life.

Each stage of Erikson's model involves a psychosocial conflict that individuals must resolve. The outcome of this resolution can lead to various personality traits and qualities. For example, during the stage of Trust vs. Mistrust, an infant’s experiences with care and comfort from caregivers will shape their view of the world as a safe place or a threatening one. This interplay between personal maturation and societal expectations captures the essence of how personality develops according to Erikson.

In contrast, the other options lack the holistic view of development that Erikson emphasizes. Genetic predispositions and social learning focus on only part of the equation, childhood experiences and adult behavior may overlook the ongoing interaction throughout life, and asserting biological maturation alone doesn't account for the significant role of social contexts in shaping personality.