IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Applied Psychology
Easy
The theory of psychosocial development was discovered by:
Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Explanation
- Erik Erikson created an original and highly influential theory of psychological development that extended across the entire life cycle.
- His theory identifies eight sequential stages, each presenting a psychosocial crisis that an individual must resolve.
- Unlike Freud's focus on sexual urges, Erikson's stages emphasize a person's relationship to family, culture, and society.
- Successful completion of each stage results in the acquisition of basic virtues and a healthy personality (e.g., Trust vs. Mistrust in infancy leads to hope).
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: Sigmund Freud developed the Theory of Psychosexual Development, which is different from the psychosocial theory. Freud's theory is centered on the influence of the libido (sexual urges) on development through five stages in childhood.
- Option C: William James was a philosopher and psychologist, considered the 'Father of American Psychology.' His work was primarily in the areas of functionalism and pragmatism, not psychosocial development.
- Option D: Arthur Gates was an educational psychologist known for his contributions to the field of literacy and reading education. His work did not involve theories of personality development.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Theories of Personality Development as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Understanding Erikson's stages allows nurses to provide age-appropriate care that supports a patient's psychosocial needs. For example, a hospitalized adolescent (Identity vs. Role Confusion) should be given choices and opportunities for independence to maintain their sense of self.
- Nurses can use this theory to assess whether a patient is meeting developmental milestones and identify potential psychosocial delays or conflicts that may be affecting their health.
- What if? If a toddler (Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt) is consistently denied the opportunity to make simple choices (like which gown to wear), they may develop feelings of shame and doubt, potentially leading to regression or non-compliance with care. The nurse's role is to provide limited, safe choices to foster autonomy.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'theory of psychosocial development'.
- This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of major psychological theorists.
- Mentally associate 'psychosocial' with Erikson and 'psychosexual' with Freud. This is a common point of confusion tested in exams.
- Evaluate the options. Erikson is the direct match for the theory mentioned.
- Eliminate the other options by recalling their primary contributions: Freud (psychosexual theory), William James (functionalism), and Arthur Gates (educational psychology).
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Theories of Personality Development
- Stem keywords: theory of psychosocial development, discovered by
- Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QdhGMeMhWpO5tfcGYl_rpi
Reference Book
E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3364-3366
E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 164-166
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 3049-3051
Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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