1. Which of the following is the first stage in Erikson’s psychosocial development theory?
a) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
b) Industry vs. Inferiority
c) Trust vs. Mistrust
d) Generativity vs. Stagnation
Answer: c) Trust vs. Mistrust
Explanation: The first stage in Erikson’s theory occurs during infancy, where trust is developed through reliable caregiving, forming the foundation for future relationships.
2. According to Erikson, which age group faces the conflict of Industry vs. Inferiority?
a) Infancy
b) Adolescence
c) Middle childhood
d) Young adulthood
Answer: c) Middle childhood
Explanation: The stage of Industry vs. Inferiority occurs between 6 and 12 years of age, where children develop a sense of competence by mastering new skills and tasks.
3. The conflict of “Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt” is most prevalent during which stage of life?
a) Toddlerhood
b) Adulthood
c) Adolescence
d) Old age
Answer: a) Toddlerhood
Explanation: This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, where children begin to assert independence. Successful resolution leads to autonomy, while failure can lead to feelings of shame and doubt.
4. In Erikson’s theory, the conflict of “Identity vs. Role Confusion” is associated with which stage?
a) Adolescence
b) Early adulthood
c) Late adulthood
d) Middle childhood
Answer: a) Adolescence
Explanation: During adolescence (ages 12-18), individuals explore and form their personal identity, a critical stage for developing a sense of self.
5. Which stage in Erikson’s theory focuses on the development of intimacy versus isolation?
a) Adolescence
b) Middle adulthood
c) Young adulthood
d) Late adulthood
Answer: c) Young adulthood
Explanation: This stage occurs between the ages of 18 and 40, where individuals focus on forming close, intimate relationships. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure can result in isolation.
6. What is the key virtue developed during the “Generativity vs. Stagnation” stage?
a) Hope
b) Wisdom
c) Care
d) Fidelity
Answer: c) Care
Explanation: The stage of Generativity vs. Stagnation occurs during middle adulthood (ages 40-65). Generativity refers to a sense of contribution to the next generation, while stagnation involves a sense of inactivity or lack of purpose.
7. The conflict of “Integrity vs. Despair” occurs in which of the following stages?
a) Adolescence
b) Young adulthood
c) Late adulthood
d) Middle childhood
Answer: c) Late adulthood
Explanation: In this final stage (65+ years), individuals reflect on their lives. A sense of integrity comes from accepting one’s life, while despair arises from regret and dissatisfaction.
8. In Erikson’s theory, how is the conflict of “Trust vs. Mistrust” resolved?
a) Through learning basic motor skills
b) By developing emotional security from caregivers
c) By developing a sense of self-esteem
d) By learning how to form relationships
Answer: b) By developing emotional security from caregivers
Explanation: In the early months of life, infants depend on caregivers for consistent and reliable care. Trust is developed when caregivers meet their needs, while neglect or inconsistency leads to mistrust.
9. What happens if a child fails to resolve the conflict of “Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt”?
a) They will develop a strong sense of independence.
b) They may develop a sense of insecurity.
c) They will experience confusion in forming relationships.
d) They will have a strong sense of identity.
Answer: b) They may develop a sense of insecurity.
Explanation: If children do not receive support in their attempts at independence, they may develop feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities.
10. Which stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development involves developing a sense of accomplishment in work and relationships?
a) Identity vs. Role Confusion
b) Industry vs. Inferiority
c) Integrity vs. Despair
d) Generativity vs. Stagnation
Answer: d) Generativity vs. Stagnation
Explanation: This stage focuses on individuals contributing to society, whether through raising children, working, or engaging in productive work, leading to generativity.
11. Which virtue is developed during the “Industry vs. Inferiority” stage?
a) Fidelity
b) Hope
c) Competence
d) Wisdom
Answer: c) Competence
Explanation: In this stage, children gain competence by mastering tasks and acquiring new skills, which builds self-esteem and a sense of pride.
12. What is the central theme of the “Intimacy vs. Isolation” stage?
a) Learning to assert independence
b) Developing lasting friendships and intimate relationships
c) Understanding one’s place in society
d) Managing life goals and career
Answer: b) Developing lasting friendships and intimate relationships
Explanation: This stage focuses on forming meaningful relationships, and failure to do so can result in isolation and loneliness.
13. What does successful resolution of the “Identity vs. Role Confusion” stage lead to?
a) A strong sense of identity
b) Emotional dependency
c) Social isolation
d) Generativity
Answer: a) A strong sense of identity
Explanation: Adolescents who successfully navigate this stage develop a clear sense of self and their role in society, leading to confidence in their identity.
14. Which of the following describes the outcome of the “Generativity vs. Stagnation” stage when successfully resolved?
a) Ability to foster healthy relationships
b) A sense of purpose and contribution to society
c) A positive self-identity
d) A sense of completeness in life
Answer: b) A sense of purpose and contribution to society
Explanation: Successfully resolving this stage leads to a sense of generativity, where individuals focus on contributing to the well-being of others and future generations.
15. What can result from failure to resolve the conflict of “Integrity vs. Despair”?
a) Regret and dissatisfaction with life
b) Strong family ties
c) Sense of independence
d) Achievement of generativity
Answer: a) Regret and dissatisfaction with life
Explanation: If individuals reflect on their life and feel regret or disappointment, they may experience despair, which leads to feelings of worthlessness.
16. The development of a strong sense of trust in infancy relies primarily on:
a) Interaction with peers
b) Consistency of caregivers’ responses
c) Mastery of motor skills
d) Exploring one’s environment
Answer: b) Consistency of caregivers’ responses
Explanation: Infants develop trust when caregivers provide consistent, responsive care, ensuring their needs are met reliably.
17. In which stage of Erikson’s theory do individuals start to develop a sense of autonomy?
a) Infancy
b) Early childhood
c) Adolescence
d) Late adulthood
Answer: b) Early childhood
Explanation: Autonomy develops as toddlers begin to explore their independence and make choices about their actions, encouraged by supportive caregivers.
18. What does “Role Confusion” in Erikson’s theory refer to?
a) A lack of emotional connection with others
b) Difficulty forming a stable identity
c) Failure to develop trust in relationships
d) Feeling unfulfilled in later life
Answer: b) Difficulty forming a stable identity
Explanation: Role confusion occurs during adolescence when individuals struggle with understanding their personal identity and place in society.
19. During the “Trust vs. Mistrust” stage, which is the most important factor for building trust in an infant?
a) Positive reinforcement
b) Nurturing and consistent caregiving
c) Social interaction with peers
d) Cognitive stimulation
Answer: b) Nurturing and consistent caregiving
Explanation: Infants rely on caregivers for their basic needs and emotional security. Consistent and reliable caregiving builds trust, while inconsistent caregiving leads to mistrust.
20. Which stage in Erikson’s theory occurs between the ages of 3 to 6 years?
a) Trust vs. Mistrust
b) Initiative vs. Guilt
c) Industry vs. Inferiority
d) Integrity vs. Despair
Answer: b) Initiative vs. Guilt
Explanation: During this stage, children begin to take initiative and explore their surroundings. A supportive environment helps them develop a sense of initiative, while overly harsh responses can lead to guilt.
21. What is a primary characteristic of the “Industry vs. Inferiority” stage in childhood?
a) Emotional dependency
b) Desire for achievement and mastery
c) Social withdrawal
d) Exploration of sexuality
Answer: b) Desire for achievement and mastery
Explanation: Children in this stage seek to develop competence by mastering new skills and tasks. Success leads to a sense of industry, while failure can result in inferiority.
22. During which stage do individuals primarily focus on developing their career and intimate relationships?
a) Infancy
b) Adolescence
c) Young adulthood
d) Late adulthood
Answer: c) Young adulthood
Explanation: This stage, occurring between the ages of 18-40, focuses on forming close relationships and establishing a career, central to personal development.
23. In Erikson’s theory, what is the key developmental task during the “Intimacy vs. Isolation” stage?
a) Forming a personal identity
b) Establishing close relationships and intimacy
c) Developing occupational skills
d) Reflecting on life achievements
Answer: b) Establishing close relationships and intimacy
Explanation: This stage involves forming deep, meaningful relationships. Failure to do so may lead to isolation and loneliness.
24. Which stage of Erikson’s psychosocial theory focuses on reflection and wisdom in later years?
a) Identity vs. Role Confusion
b) Generativity vs. Stagnation
c) Integrity vs. Despair
d) Trust vs. Mistrust
Answer: c) Integrity vs. Despair
Explanation: In late adulthood, individuals reflect on their lives. Achieving integrity involves accepting one’s life and its meaning, whereas despair arises from dissatisfaction and regret.
25. The “Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt” conflict mainly involves which area of development?
a) Cognitive
b) Emotional
c) Social
d) Physical
Answer: b) Emotional
Explanation: This conflict deals with the development of emotional independence in toddlers. Successful resolution leads to a sense of autonomy, while failure results in shame and doubt.
26. What is the key issue faced by individuals during the “Generativity vs. Stagnation” stage?
a) Need to form lasting relationships
b) Developing a strong sense of self
c) Contributing to the well-being of future generations
d) Reflecting on past mistakes
Answer: c) Contributing to the well-being of future generations
Explanation: In this stage, individuals focus on generativity, ensuring they leave a meaningful legacy by contributing to others and society.
27. The conflict in the “Trust vs. Mistrust” stage primarily affects which aspect of development?
a) Social competence
b) Emotional security
c) Cognitive development
d) Moral reasoning
Answer: b) Emotional security
Explanation: This stage emphasizes the formation of emotional security. Trust is built when caregivers are responsive, and mistrust develops when needs are neglected.
28. Which virtue is associated with resolving the “Integrity vs. Despair” conflict successfully?
a) Hope
b) Competence
c) Care
d) Wisdom
Answer: d) Wisdom
Explanation: Successfully navigating the Integrity vs. Despair stage leads to wisdom, as individuals reflect on their life experiences and develop an acceptance of their journey.
29. In Erikson’s theory, what is the main task during the “Industry vs. Inferiority” stage?
a) Developing a sense of personal identity
b) Learning basic social skills
c) Mastering new skills and tasks
d) Building intimate relationships
Answer: c) Mastering new skills and tasks
Explanation: During this stage, children develop a sense of industry by achieving goals and learning new competencies. Failure leads to feelings of inferiority.
30. What is the main outcome of successfully resolving the “Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt” conflict?
a) Strong interpersonal relationships
b) Ability to make independent decisions
c) Understanding personal goals
d) A stable sense of identity
Answer: b) Ability to make independent decisions
Explanation: Successfully navigating this stage leads to a sense of autonomy, where children gain the confidence to make their own decisions and act independently.
These questions cover the key aspects of Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory and provide explanations for each answer to help deepen the understanding of the subject.
