|Chamberlain College
1. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary task for an infant from birth to 1 year?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: C
Rationale: Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage where infants learn to trust their caregivers
based on the consistency of their basic needs being met.
2. A nurse is teaching a parent about toddler safety. Which developmental stage
from Erikson applies to a 2-year-old?
A. Industry vs. Inferiority
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: D
Rationale: Toddlers (1-3 years) are in the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage, focusing
on developing a sense of personal control over physical skills.
,3. A preschooler who enjoys playing ‘house’ and imitating adult roles is
demonstrating which of Erikson’s stages?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers (3-6 years) are in the Initiative vs. Guilt stage, where they begin to
assert power and control through directing play and social interactions.
4. A school-aged child is proud of finishing a complex puzzle. This success
supports which of Erikson’s developmental stages?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Rationale: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years) involves children learning to be productive
and mastering new skills.
5. An adolescent is struggling to decide on a career path and feels confused
about their place in society. Which stage is this?
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: C
Rationale: Adolescents (12-18 years) explore their independence and develop a sense of
self during Identity vs. Role Confusion.
, 6. Which developmental task is associated with Young Adulthood according to
Erikson?
A. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: D
Rationale: Young adults (18-40 years) focus on forming intimate, loving relationships with
other people.
7. A 50-year-old nurse mentors a new graduate. This is an example of which of
Erikson’s stages?
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: B
Rationale: Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years) involves creating or nurturing things
that will outlast the individual, often by mentoring or parenting.
8. An 80-year-old patient reflects on their life with satisfaction. Which of
Erikson’s stages does this represent?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Rationale: Older adults (65+ years) reflect on their lives and feel either a sense of
fulfillment (Integrity) or a sense of regret (Despair).