Psychosocial Stages & Virtues
What virtue emerges from successfully resolving the infancy crisis of trust vs. mistrust?
The virtue is hope
What does "developmental task" refer to in this text?
It refers to age‑relevant challenges or responsibilities individuals are expected to perform at various life stages—like attachment in infancy or social integration later on
What is the central process in the toddler stage?
It is Imitation—children observe and emulate caregivers as a way to resolve the autonomy vs. shame/doubt crisis
What’s the purpose of "Applying Theory and Research to Life" boxes in each chapter?
They apply theoretical constructs to real-world scenarios—helping readers connect theory to practical issues like disability, inequality, or aging
What role do case studies play in the book?
They illustrate theoretical concepts in lived contexts, prompting learners to apply and analyze psychosocial theory through real-life examples
What stage follows toddlerhood? If you can name and its core crisis and virtue earn a bonus 200 pts.
The next stage is early childhood (around ages 3–4 years), with the crisis initiative vs. guilt, and the virtue Purpose
Name one developmental tasks characteristic of early adulthood.
Examples include exploring intimate relationships and navigating childbearing or early career choices
Identify the central process of later adolescence and explain it briefly.
The central process is Role Experimentation—adolescents try different roles, values, and identities in order to build a stable sense of self
Give an example where psychosocial theory is applied to real issues.
For example,
In middle childhood, school readiness is discussed—showing how “industry vs. inferiority” affects preparedness for school success or other acceptable examples
How might a case about diverging career paths inform career-related identity tasks?
It can highlight identity exploration in later adolescence—showing how individuals reconcile personal values with external expectations during role experimentation and vocational choices.
During middle childhood (about ages 5–11), what virtue develops? Earn a bonus 100 pts if you can name what is its opposite pathology if not resolved?
The virtue is Competence; the pathology (core pathology) is Inertia
Name one key developmental tasks in later adulthood (60–75 years).
Tasks include accepting one's life, developing a point of view about death, and promoting intellectual vigor
What central process fosters mutual bonds in early adulthood?
The process is Mutuality Among Peers—forming reciprocal relationships based on intimacy rather than isolation
How does Erikson’s framework help understand adolescent peer pressure?
Mapping peer pressure onto group identity vs. alienation clarifies why adolescents seek peer belonging to solidify self‑concept while balancing autonomy
How can case studies enhance understanding of psychosocial crises like intimacy vs. isolation?
By depicting characters navigating relationships—like forming long-term bonds or coping with loneliness—case studies concretely reveal how resolution (intimacy) or failure (isolation) manifests behaviorally.
What virtue develops in early adulthood (intimacy vs isolation) and middle adulthood (generatively vs stagnation)?
In early adulthood, the virtue that develops is Love; in middle adulthood, it's Care
How do developmental tasks evolve from early to later adolescence?
In early adolescence, tasks focus on group identity vs. alienation and forming peer group affiliations. In later adolescence, the focus shifts to individual identity vs. identity confusion, involving autonomy from parents, role experimentation, and personal ideology development
Identify the central process of later adulthood and discuss its significance.
It is Introspection—reflecting on one’s life to build ego integrity and avoid despair; it allows weaving memories into a coherent sense of fulfillment
How does the textbook incorporation of diversity in the psychosocial lens?
The text includes cultural examples, diversity boxes, and case studies across stages
What might a case study about responding to divorce in early adulthood show according to adult developmental theory?
It could show how divorce might challenge the desire to develop intimacy and shift someone towards isolation. It could also show how supportive interventions may rebuild healthy identity through new relational bonds.
What critical reflection does the textbook offer on Erikson’s stage theory?
The textbook notes limitations such as potential cultural bias, the assumption of rigid sequential stages, and challenges in empirical confirmation of stage boundaries or universality
Propose an intervention addressing a developmental task in elderhood that fosters functional independence.
A suitable intervention might include a social support and creative engagement program—offering group-based activities (e.g., art, storytelling, light physical activity) to promote autonomy, bolstered by community support systems to assist with daily living and nurture psycho-social confidence
How could a school-based mentoring program reflect Erikson’s central process for middle adulthood?
A mentoring program that connects middle-aged adults with younger mentees aligns with generativity. It enables the adults to share wisdom and skills, contributing to societal continuity, while reinforcing their sense of purpose and care.
Apply a psychosocial concept to a contemporary social phenomenon like digital isolation.
For example,
During early adolescence, group identity vs. alienation can align with digital social pressures. Addressing digital isolation could involve interventions that foster peer belonging through mindful online communities, helping adolescents form authentic identities rather than feel disconnected.
or other acceptable examples
Case studies provide engaging, context-rich learning. However, they can oversimplify complex psychosocial trajectories, highlight individual cases over structural factors, and risk students overgeneralizing from anecdote rather than recognizing diversity and longitudinal complexity.