Question 1

According to Erikson, individuals in their 70s and 80s are facing a time of reflection and the psychosocial conflict of

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that individuals in their late adulthood (70s and 80s) face the conflict of integrity versus despair. This stage involves reflecting on one's life and either achieving a sense of fulfillment and wisdom, termed integrity, or experiencing regret and dissatisfaction, leading to despair.

Question 2

According to Erikson, a new balance is established between the person and society when the person

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that individuals go through eight stages from infancy to adulthood, each characterized by a specific conflict or dilemma. Successful resolution of these dilemmas leads to a healthy balance between the individual and society, fostering personal growth and the ability to contribute to the community.

Question 3

Generativity refers to

Accepted Answer

Generativity, as defined by Erik Erikson in his theory of psychosocial development, refers to the concern for establishing and guiding the next generation, which encompasses a broader concern for the welfare of others and society as a whole.

Question 4

The biologically defined period during which a person matures sexually and becomes capable of reproduction is

Accepted Answer

Puberty is the biologically defined period during which individuals undergo physical and hormonal changes that lead to sexual maturity, enabling them to reproduce.

Question 5

According to Erikson, failure to resolve a psychosocial dilemma or crisis at a particular life stage

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that failure to resolve a psychosocial crisis can make it more difficult for an individual to face subsequent crises, as each stage builds on the successful resolution of earlier stages.

Question 6

The culturally defined period of life between childhood and adulthood is known as

Accepted Answer

Adolescence is the culturally defined period of life between childhood and adulthood, characterized by physical, psychological, and social changes.

Question 7

Regarding psychosocial development and the resolution of the psychosocial dilemmas, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The statement in D is false because it misrepresents the concept of psychosocial development. According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, successfully resolving the crises at each stage of development leads to the acquisition of virtues and strengths, not weaknesses. Therefore, a string of "successes" or effectively resolving psychosocial dilemmas tends to make individuals stronger and better equipped to handle future challenges, not weaker.

Question 8

Ellis, who is in his 70s, enjoys telling his grandchildren about his life experiences. Although he says that there are a few things in his life he regrets, Ellis says overall, "I had a nice ride through life, and you can't ask for anything more than that." According to Erikson, Ellis is exhibiting a great deal of

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that in late adulthood, individuals strive for ego integrity, reflecting back on their lives with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Ellis's content reflection on his life demonstrates this stage of integrity.

Question 9

According to Erikson's theory, aging and the threat of death become sources of fear and depression when an elderly person lacks

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory posits that in old age, individuals face the challenge of integrity vs. despair. Those who look back on their lives with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction achieve integrity, while those who see their lives as unproductive and do not accept the approach of death experience despair. Therefore, lacking integrity can lead to fear and depression in the elderly.

Question 10

The time in a person's life known as puberty is

Accepted Answer

Puberty is a biologically defined period characterized by sexual maturation and the ability to reproduce, not limited by specific age ranges or cultural definitions.

Question 11

According to Erikson, a person will have a more difficult time dealing with later crises if the person

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that failure to resolve a crisis at any stage can lead to difficulties in handling future crises. Each stage involves a specific conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. Failure to do so can impair the individual's ability to deal with later challenges.

Question 12

People who have lived richly and responsibly are able to face aging and death with dignity because they have developed a sense of

Accepted Answer

Integrity, according to Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, is the virtue achieved in late adulthood, characterized by the feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction with one's life, leading to the ability to face aging and death with dignity.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a way that generativity can be expressed?

Accepted Answer

Generativity involves making contributions to the next generation or society, such as through work, mentoring, or caring for others. It does not focus on one's own needs and comforts, which is more self-centered and not an expression of generativity.

Question 14

Marshall has retired from his job and finds life very unsatisfying. As he reflects over his life, he sees himself as a failure and his life as a series of missed opportunities. Erikson would say that Marshall is experiencing

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that in old age, individuals reflect on their life. If they see it as unfulfilled or full of missed opportunities, they experience despair. This is part of Erikson's final stage of psychosocial development, integrity vs. despair.

Question 15

The life stage known as adolescence is

Accepted Answer

Adolescence is a culturally defined period that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, and its characteristics and duration can vary significantly across different societies.

Question 16

Failure to resolve the tasks of middle adulthood leads to a concern for only one's own needs and comforts, resulting in what Erikson called

Accepted Answer

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development identifies "stagnation" as the outcome of failing to resolve the challenges of middle adulthood, where individuals may become self-absorbed and concerned only with their own needs rather than contributing to the welfare of others or society.

Question 17

According to Erikson, an interest in guiding the next generation provides emotional balance during

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that during middle adulthood, individuals experience the crisis of generativity vs. stagnation. Generativity involves the concern for establishing and guiding the next generation, which provides emotional balance and fulfillment during this stage.

Question 18

Sidney has been a teacher for 23 years. He has been feeling trapped in "this life" for the last five years and finds his teaching efforts unappreciated and poorly compensated. So, in the middle of the semester, he quits his job, divorces his wife, and moves to a large city to start over in a sales job. Erikson would say that Sidney was experiencing

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development suggests that in middle adulthood, individuals face the crisis of generativity vs. stagnation. Sidney's feelings of being unappreciated and trapped, leading to drastic life changes, indicate stagnation, where he feels he is not contributing meaningfully to society or his personal life.

Question 19

Regarding adolescence and puberty, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Adolescence and puberty are not the same. Puberty refers specifically to the period during which an individual becomes physically capable of reproduction, marked by the maturation of the genital organs, development of secondary sexual characteristics, and, in girls, the onset of menstruation. Adolescence, on the other hand, is a broader developmental phase that includes puberty but also encompasses psychological, social, and emotional changes as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood.

Question 20

If a person fails to develop a sense of integrity and self-respect in later adulthood, feelings of which of the following tend to result?

Accepted Answer

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that in later adulthood, individuals face the crisis of integrity vs. despair. Failing to develop a sense of integrity leads to feelings of despair.

Quiz 3: Human Development