Question 1

Generativity refers to

Accepted Answer

Generativity refers to a concern for the welfare of others and society as a whole, particularly in the later stages of life. It involves providing care, guidance, and support to future generations and contributing to the betterment of society.

Question 2

According to Erikson, the major task during young adulthood (20 to 34 years old)is successful achievement of

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development identifies the major task during young adulthood as the establishment of intimate, meaningful relationships with others. This stage is known as intimacy vs. isolation, where the focus is on forming close, loving relationships with other people.

Question 3

Talia is 17 years old and is dealing with her conflicting experiences as a student, friend, athlete, worker, daughter, and girlfriend.In the next few years, Talia must integrate these experiences into a unified sense of self.According to Erikson, Talia is experiencing which psychosocial dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's psychosocial dilemma for adolescence is identity versus role confusion. Talia is struggling to integrate her different experiences into a cohesive sense of self, which is the hallmark of identity formation during adolescence.

Question 4

Emily is a middle-aged woman who lives alone.Her income is secure and her life is comfortable.Still, she seems unhappy and without direction, possibly because she lacks

Accepted Answer

Generativity refers to the need to contribute to the well-being of future generations, which can provide a sense of purpose and direction. Emily's unhappiness and lack of direction may stem from not fulfilling this need.

Question 5

Elaine and Jeffery have been married for five years.Elaine spends her time taking care of their two-year-old son, while Jeffery spends his time watching television or going out "with the guys." She and Jeffery do not share any common interests, and they seldom talk to each other except about their son.Erikson would say that Elaine is experiencing

Accepted Answer

Elaine is experiencing isolation, which is the stage of intimacy vs. isolation in Erikson's psychosocial development theory. She and her husband do not have a close relationship or shared interests, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

Question 6

Jeb is finishing high school, and he does not know whether he wants to go to college or get a job.Rather than explore the options, he chooses to stay home during the summer and watch television.Erikson would say that Jeb is exhibiting

Accepted Answer

Jeb's behavior of avoiding exploring his options and choosing to stay home and watch TV suggests that he may be experiencing role confusion, which is a stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. During this stage, individuals struggle to find their sense of identity and may experience confusion about their future goals and aspirations. Jeb's behavior suggests that he may be avoiding the challenge of making a decision about his future and instead experiencing this confusion.

Question 7

Regarding the psychosocial dilemma of intimacy versus isolation, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

While marriage or sexual involvement may be one avenue towards intimacy, it is not a guarantee. Intimacy can also be achieved through close friendships, familial relationships, and other types of connections.

Question 8

Joel and Janae are a young married couple who not only care deeply for each other but also consider each other their best friend.Erikson would say that Joel and Janae are exhibiting

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development identifies intimacy as a crucial stage in young adulthood when individuals form close relationships characterized by love, trust, and commitment. Joel and Janae's deep connection as both partners and best friends indicates that they are at the intimacy stage of development.

Question 9

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

According to Erikson's theory, failure to resolve the tasks of middle adulthood results in stagnation, which is a concern only for one's own needs and comforts, and a lack of generativity, or contribution to society. Apathy refers to a lack of interest or enthusiasm, mistrust refers to a lack of trust in others, and despair refers to a sense of hopelessness or sadness.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Generativity refers to a concern for others beyond oneself and a desire to contribute to the well-being of future generations or society as a whole. Therefore, a concern with one's own needs and comforts is not a way that generativity can be expressed.

Question 11

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

Sidney's feelings of being trapped in "this life" and finding his efforts unappreciated and poorly compensated suggest that he may be experiencing Erikson's stage of generativity versus stagnation. This stage occurs during adulthood and involves the desire to make contributions to society and the next generation. Stagnation refers to a lack of productivity and feeling stuck in one's current circumstances. Sidney's drastic actions to quit his job, divorce his wife, and start over in a new career suggest that he may be seeking a renewed sense of generativity and productivity.

Question 12

Conflicts involving intimacy, generativity, and integrity are characteristic of

Accepted Answer

Conflicts involving intimacy (establishing close relationships), generativity (contributing to society and future generations), and integrity (accepting and finding meaning in one's own life) are characteristic of adulthood according to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Infancy focuses on trust vs. mistrust, childhood on initiative vs. guilt, and adolescence on identity vs. role confusion.

Question 13

By intimacy, Erikson means the ability to

Accepted Answer

Erikson defines intimacy as the ability to develop close relationships and share experiences with others, which suggests a deep emotional connection and genuine concern for others. The other options - having satisfying sexual relationships, understanding oneself and others, and guiding others through productive work - are important aspects of human development, but they are not specifically what Erikson refers to as intimacy.

Question 14

Paula has been a teacher for 20 years, and she is still trying to find new, creative ways to help her students learn.Erikson would say that Paula is exhibiting

Accepted Answer

Erikson's stage of generativity vs. stagnation involves adults focusing on contributing to society and helping the next generation, which Paula is doing by finding new ways to help her students learn.

Question 15

When teenagers question "who they are" and "what they will become," they are experiencing which conflict?

Accepted Answer

The conflict of "identity versus role confusion" is a central developmental task during adolescence according to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory. This refers to the process of discovering one's personal identity and sense of self, as well as exploring different roles and values. It is common for teenagers to question who they are and what their future holds during this stage of development. Autonomy versus shame and doubt and initiative versus guilt are conflicts that occur earlier in childhood, while industry versus inferiority occurs during middle childhood.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, middle adulthood is characterized by the crisis of generativity versus stagnation. Generativity refers to an interest in guiding and contributing to the next generation, whether through parenting, mentoring, or other forms of involvement. Engaging in generative activities can provide emotional fulfillment and a sense of purpose, contributing to overall psychological well-being during middle adulthood.

Question 17

College students in their 20s who are developing life-long friendships are in which psychosocial stage?

Accepted Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the stage of intimacy versus isolation occurs during young adulthood (ages 20-40). During this stage, individuals seek to establish close and meaningful relationships with others, especially romantic partners and close friends. Therefore, college students in their 20s who are developing life-long friendships are in the intimacy versus isolation stage.

Question 18

According to Erikson, the conflict of middle adulthood (age 35 to 64 years old)in which self-interest is countered by an interest in guiding the next generation is known as

Accepted Answer

Erikson's conflict of middle adulthood is known as generativity versus stagnation. This stage involves the balance between self-interest and concern for the welfare and guidance of the next generation. Generativity refers to the desire to contribute to society and leave a legacy, while stagnation is a sense of feeling unproductive or lacking purpose.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, individuals in their 70s and 80s are facing the final stage of their lives, known as integrity versus despair. This stage involves reflecting on one's life and coming to terms with both the positive and negative experiences that have occurred. The conflict at this stage is between a sense of satisfaction with one's life, or integrity, and a sense of regret or despair about missed opportunities or mistakes.

Question 20

A failure to develop a consistent identity results in

Accepted Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the stage of adolescence is characterized by the crisis of identity versus role confusion. Failure to develop a consistent sense of identity may result in role confusion, where the individual struggles to understand their place in society and their own personality. This can lead to a sense of aimlessness and lack of direction in life. Isolation, inferiority, and stagnation may be potential consequences but are not directly related to the failure to develop a consistent identity.

Quiz 3: Human Development