Growth and Development Q 39
Which stage of development is most unstable and challenging regarding the development of personal identity?
A. Adolescence
B. Toddlerhood
C. Middle Childhood
D. Young adulthood
Correct Answer: A. Adolescence
Although it occurs throughout one’s lifetime, identity development is considered to be the primary psychosocial task of adolescence or as described by Erickson on identity versus identity confusion. Individuals in this stage start to integrate their values, abilities, inner drives, and past experiences into who they are as persons.
Option B: Toddlers at their age focus on developing their physical, emotional, cognitive, language, and motor skills. Gaining a sense of personal control over the world is important at this stage of development. Children at this age are becoming increasingly independent and want to gain more control over what they do and how they do it.
Option C: Middle childhood is a stage where children learn skills that will help them build social relationships that will prepare them for adolescence. A child’s social world expands considerably as they enter school and gain new friendships with peers. Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities.
Option D: Young adulthood would focus on building intimate and loving relationships with other people. Romantic and sexual relationships can be an important part of this stage of life, but intimacy is more about having close, loving relationships. It includes romantic partners, but it can also encompass close, enduring friendships with people outside of the family.