Question

Difficulty: MediumDevelopmental Stages and Transitions

An occupational health nurse is conducting an annual wellness assessment for a 52-year-old client. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which statements by the client indicate successful mastery of the primary developmental task for this age group? Select all that apply.

  1. I volunteered to serve as a professional mentor for the junior staff at my workplace.Answer
  2. B
    I am primarily focused on finding a life partner who shares my personal values.
  3. I dedicate every Saturday morning to coaching a local youth soccer team.Answer
  4. D
    I have been reflecting on my past accomplishments and feel that my life journey is complete.
  5. E
    I feel like I have nothing left to offer, so I just focus entirely on my own immediate needs.
  6. I am coordinating a community garden project that involves several local families.Answer

Answer

The statements indicating successful mastery are volunteering as a professional mentor, coaching a youth soccer team, and coordinating a community garden project.
For a 52-year-old client (middle adulthood), the primary developmental task is Generativity vs. Stagnation. Generativity is achieved by contributing to society, guiding the next generation, and leaving a positive legacy. Statements about mentoring junior staff, coaching youth sports, and leading community projects all demonstrate active engagement in fostering the growth of others, which is the hallmark of generativity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's developmental stage based on their age.
The client is 52 years old, placing them in the middle adulthood stage according to Erikson's theory.
Developmental tasks are age-specific and form the basis for psychosocial assessment.
2
Determine the primary Erikson developmental task for middle adulthood.
The primary task for middle adulthood (ages 40-65) is Generativity vs. Stagnation.
Knowing the correct task is necessary to evaluate the client's statements.
3
Evaluate each statement to see if it aligns with generativity.
Mentoring, coaching, and coordinating community projects represent generativity (contributing to society and future generations). Finding a partner (intimacy), reflecting on life completion (ego integrity), and self-absorption (stagnation) do not.
This differentiates successful mastery of the current stage from failure, previous stages, or future stages.

Key Concept

Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Rate this question