The developmental task of old age according to Erikson is all, EXCEPT:

NVS- 2025

Psychology

Medium

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

the one that is NOT a primary developmental task of old age according to Erikson.
Modifying and forming intense interpersonal relationships is the central task of the 'Intimacy vs. Isolation' stage, which occurs in Young Adulthood (ages 18-40).
While relationships are important throughout life, this specific focus is characteristic of an earlier developmental stage, making it the exception for old age.

Option A: Coping with the loss of loved ones is a major psychosocial challenge and a necessary adaptive task for older adults as they frequently experience the death of spouses, friends, and peers.
Option B: Navigating psychosocial conflicts is central to every one of Erikson's stages. For old age, the specific conflict is 'Ego Integrity vs. Despair,' which is the core challenge of this life phase.
Option C: The achievement of ego integrity is the primary positive outcome and goal of Erikson's final stage. It involves reflecting on one's life and accepting it, which is the main developmental task.

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, specifically the tasks of old age as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses can use Erikson's theory to provide holistic, age-appropriate care. For an older adult, this means encouraging life review (reminiscence therapy) to help them find meaning and achieve ego integrity.
Understanding this stage helps nurses recognize that feelings of despair, regret, or depression in older patients may stem from unresolved life conflicts, not just their current medical condition.
A key nursing intervention is to create a supportive environment where older patients can talk about their lives, accomplishments, and disappointments, thereby facilitating the process of achieving integrity.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question: 'developmental task,' 'old age,' and 'Erikson.' This points directly to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
Second, recognize the negative framing keyword 'EXCEPT.' This means you are looking for the option that does NOT belong to the developmental tasks of old age.
Third, recall or identify Erikson's final stage for old age, which is 'Ego Integrity vs. Despair.' The tasks of this stage involve life reflection, acceptance, and coping with losses.
Fourth, evaluate each option against the 'Ego Integrity vs. Despair' stage. 'Coping with loss,' 'psychosocial conflicts,' and 'achievement of ego integrity' are all integral parts of this stage.
Finally, identify the outlier. 'Modifying interpersonal relationship' is the central theme of an earlier stage, 'Intimacy vs. Isolation' (young adulthood). Therefore, it is the correct answer as the exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, specifically the tasks of old age.
Stem keywords: developmental task, old age, Erikson
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the EXCEPTION among the listed developmental tasks.

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E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 2 p. 93-95

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 3376-3378, 2891-2893