Personality and Mood Disorders Q 77
Situation: A 42-year-old male client, is admitted to the ward because of bizarre behaviors. He was given a diagnosis of schizophrenia paranoid type. The client should have achieved the developmental task of:
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Ego integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
The client belongs to the middle adulthood stage (30 to 65 yrs.) The developmental task generativity is characterized by concern and care for others. It is a productive and creative stage. Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.
Option A: The infancy stage (0 – 18 mos.) is concerned with the gratification of oral needs. If a child successfully develops trust, the child will feel safe and secure in the world. Caregivers who are inconsistent, emotionally unavailable, or rejecting contribute to feelings of mistrust in the children under their care. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.
Option B: School Age Child (6 – 12 yrs.) is characterized by the acquisition of school competencies and social skills. The fourth psychosocial stage takes place during the early school years from approximately ages 5 to 11. Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. Children need to cope with new social and academic demands. Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority.
Option D: Late adulthood ( 60 and above) Concerned with a reflection on the past and his contributions to others and face the future. Erikson’s theory differed from many others because it addressed development throughout the entire lifespan, including old age. Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment. Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair.