Maternity Nursing Q 132

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The infant of a substance-abusing mother is at risk for developing a sense of which of the following?

  

     A. Mistrust

     B. Shame

     C. Guilt

     D. Inferiority

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Mistrust

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According to Erikson, infants need to have their needs met consistently and effectively to develop a sense of trust. An infant whose needs are consistently unmet or who experiences significant delays in having them met, such as in the case of the infant of a substance-abusing mother, will develop a sense of uncertainty, leading to mistrust of caregivers and the environment.

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Option B: Toddlers develop a sense of shame when their autonomy needs are not met consistently. Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the second stage of Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months to approximately 3 years. According to Erikson, children at this stage are focused on developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence.

Option C: Preschoolers develop a sense of guilt when their sense of initiative is thwarted. Initiative versus guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. During the initiative versus guilt stage, children assert themselves more frequently through directing play and other social interactions.

Option D: Schoolagers develop a sense of inferiority when they do not develop a sense of industry. Erikson’s fourth psychosocial crisis, involving industry (competence) vs. Inferiority occurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve.

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