NCLEX · Developmental Stages and Aging

What is the expected developmental task for an adolescent (ages 12-18) according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development?

Correct answer

Identity vs. role confusion — adolescents work to form a personal identity and sense of self separate from family

  1. A Industry vs. inferiority
  2. B Identity vs. role confusion — adolescents work to form a personal identity and sense of self separate from family
  3. C Trust vs. mistrust
  4. D Integrity vs. despair

Why this is the answer

Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development describe normal developmental tasks across the lifespan. Stage 5 (12-18 years): Identity vs. Role Confusion — adolescents develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to fidelity; failure to role confusion and weak sense of self. The eight stages: (1) Trust vs. Mistrust (infant, 0-18 months) — develop trust through reliable caregiving; (2) Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (toddler, 18 months-3 years) — develop independence in toilet training, walking, choice-making; (3) Initiative vs. Guilt (preschool, 3-5 years) — assert control through play and social interaction; (4) Industry vs. Inferiority (school age, 6-11 years) — develop competence through school and activities; (5) Identity vs. Role Confusion (adolescent); (6) Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adult, 18-40 years) — develop close relationships; (7) Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adult, 40-65 years) — contribute to society and next generation; (8) Integrity vs. Despair (older adult, 65+) — reflect on life with sense of fulfillment. NCLEX commonly tests these stages because age-appropriate teaching and care depends on understanding developmental tasks.
Source: NCLEX-RN, Health Promotion — Developmental Theory

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About this topic: Developmental Stages and Aging

Developmental stages and aging questions cover Erikson's and Piaget's stages, milestones, and the health promotion priorities for each age group from infancy to older adulthood. This is one of 12 RN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on developmental stages and aging, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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