Erik Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development is a comprehensive framework that suggests our personalities evolve through eight distinct stages across our entire lives. Unlike other theories that focus solely on childhood, Erikson emphasised the role of social interaction and how our relationships shape our identity from birth until death.

In 1980, researchers Kleck and Strenta designed a brilliant experiment. This study is a cornerstone in social psychology because it demonstrates how our 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐬 - even when they are objectively false - can completely distort our perception of how others treat us.

It describes the optimal state of our nervous system where we are able to manage and thrive in our daily lives. When an individual is within this window, they can process information, relate to others, and handle challenges effectively. The nervous system generally moves between three states. Imagine a river flowing between two banks: 𝟏. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 (𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥) 𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 - 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 - 𝐇𝐲𝐩�