As per the psychosocial development theory of Erikson, identity and role confusion are associated with?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

According to Erikson's theory, the psychosocial crisis of 'Identity vs. Role Confusion' is the central task of the adolescent stage, typically occurring between the ages of 12 and 18.
During this period, individuals grapple with questions of self, including their values, beliefs, and future roles in society.
The primary goal is to form a coherent and stable personal identity.
Successful resolution of this crisis results in the virtue of fidelity, which is the ability to live by society's standards and expectations.

Option A: Infancy (birth to 1 year) is associated with the 'Trust vs. Mistrust' stage, where the core task is developing trust in caregivers and the environment.
Option B: The toddler stage (1 to 3 years) corresponds to 'Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt,' where children focus on developing a sense of personal control and independence.
Option C: The preschool years (3 to 6 years) are defined by the 'Initiative vs. Guilt' stage, where children begin to assert power and control over their world through directing play and other social interactions.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding Erikson's stages helps nurses tailor their communication and care plans to the developmental needs of patients. For adolescents, this means respecting their need for privacy, independence, and involvement in their own healthcare decisions.
Nurses should encourage peer interaction for hospitalized adolescents, as peer groups are crucial for identity formation during this stage.
What if? If a hospitalized adolescent becomes withdrawn, refuses to participate in care, and expresses feelings of confusion about their future, it may signal a struggle with role confusion. The nurse should provide support, encourage expression of feelings, and consider a referral to a mental health specialist or counselor.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question: 'Erikson's theory' and the specific crisis 'identity and role confusion'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of developmental psychology.
Recall the different stages of Erikson's theory and the age group associated with each crisis.
Match the 'Identity vs. Role Confusion' crisis to its corresponding developmental stage, which is adolescence.
Select the option that matches this age group.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Stem keywords: psychosocial development theory, Erikson, identity and role confusion
Lead-in keywords: associated with

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 1053-1055

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3373-3375

Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.