NPrep
Start practising
IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019
Applied Psychology
Easy

Identity Vs. Role confusion as a psychosocial crisis is in which stage of development?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

  • The crisis of Identity vs. Role Confusion is the fifth stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
  • This stage occurs during adolescence, typically from about age 12 or 13 to 21.
  • The primary task for the adolescent is to develop a sense of self and personal identity by exploring different roles, values, and beliefs.
  • Successful resolution of this crisis results in the virtue of 'fidelity,' which is the ability to be true to oneself and form loyal relationships.
  • Failure to form a stable identity leads to role confusion, insecurity, and uncertainty about one's future and place in society.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: The psychosocial crisis in infancy (birth to 18 months) is Trust vs. Mistrust, where the infant learns to rely on caregivers.
  • Option B: The crisis in early childhood (2 to 3 years) is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, focusing on developing a sense of personal control and independence.
  • Option D: This is a broad term covering several stages. The stage immediately following adolescence is Young Adulthood (approx. 19-40 years), which involves the Intimacy vs. Isolation crisis, centered on forming deep, meaningful relationships.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
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.
  • Nurses use Erikson's theory to provide age-appropriate care that supports a patient's psychosocial needs. Understanding a patient's developmental stage helps in tailoring communication and interventions.
  • When caring for an adolescent patient, a nurse can promote healthy identity formation by respecting their need for privacy, encouraging them to make choices about their care, and facilitating contact with peers.
  • Recognizing signs of role confusion, such as withdrawal, rebellion, or joining negative peer groups, can alert the nurse to provide support or refer the adolescent for counseling.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key concepts in the question: 'Identity vs. Role confusion' and 'psychosocial crisis'. These terms are specific to Erik Erikson's theory of development.
  • Recall the different stages of Erikson's theory. It's helpful to remember them in order, from infancy to old age.
  • Match the specific crisis mentioned ('Identity vs. Role confusion') with its corresponding developmental stage and age group.
  • Evaluate the given options (Infancy, Early childhood, Adolescence, Adult) against your knowledge of the stages.
  • Select 'Adolescence' as it is the stage where individuals grapple with forming a personal identity.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
  • Stem keywords: Identity Vs. Role confusion, psychosocial crisis, stage of development
  • Lead-in keywords: which stage

Question ID

QMTa-gC5W3uW8EsbP9KH_5

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 3061-3063

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

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 1053-1055

Practise the full IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

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

Attempt this paperAttempt in the NPrep app

More Personality Questions

More IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019 Questions