Final Exam
Developmental Psychology
Please choose 1 case out of the 5 cases. Each case weighs 20 points for you to apply your
knowledge in all stages, aspects and theories of development. Note: Label the case that you
choose before you submit your analysis.
CASE 2
Bob is a college student for almost 7 years. He describes himself as an over aged and over
staying student. In his 7 years as a student, he was observed to have patterns of failing grades
and keeps on shifting from course to another.
1. Based on Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory, what psychosocial stage explains Bob’s situation.
Discuss briefly your answer. (5 points)
The psychosocial stage which would explain Bob’s current situation is the fifth stage which
is the identity versus role confusion stage. One’s education (and the relationships one
form in school) play an integral part in one’s development of an identity. The school is a
place where students spend most of their time. Here, they are constantly introduced to
new ideas and activities, which leads to ways in which their sense of identity can be built.
In school, one will at least discover their interests, abilities, and passion. By discovering
these, they can develop a strong sense of identity which will guide them and influence
their choices as they journey throughout adulthood.
In the case given above, it seems like Bob has not yet developed an identity, or has
developed one but is weak, causing him to have failing grades and continuously shift from
one course to another. Maybe Bob lacked the proper resources and encouragement to
explore more, making him unsure and confused about himself and about the decisions he
make. One’s identity is shaped by their experiences and interactions with others, and it is
this identity that helps guide their actions, beliefs, and behaviors as they age. Maybe Bob
has failed to develop relationships with others which will help in shaping and
strengthening his identity, that is why he is constantly doubting and questioning himself
which is manifested through his failing grades and shifting of course.
2. What developmental stage seemed to have caused such situation? Justify your answer.
(5 points)
For me, the development stage which seemed to have caused such situation is the
adolescent stage. Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and
adulthood, and those who enter this stage go through many changes such as in the
physical aspect, intellectual aspect, personality, and social development. As part of the
changes they experience in the social and emotional aspect, they are also in the stage
where personal exploration is essential in order to build a strong sense of identity. An
Developmental Psychology
Please choose 1 case out of the 5 cases. Each case weighs 20 points for you to apply your
knowledge in all stages, aspects and theories of development. Note: Label the case that you
choose before you submit your analysis.
CASE 2
Bob is a college student for almost 7 years. He describes himself as an over aged and over
staying student. In his 7 years as a student, he was observed to have patterns of failing grades
and keeps on shifting from course to another.
1. Based on Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory, what psychosocial stage explains Bob’s situation.
Discuss briefly your answer. (5 points)
The psychosocial stage which would explain Bob’s current situation is the fifth stage which
is the identity versus role confusion stage. One’s education (and the relationships one
form in school) play an integral part in one’s development of an identity. The school is a
place where students spend most of their time. Here, they are constantly introduced to
new ideas and activities, which leads to ways in which their sense of identity can be built.
In school, one will at least discover their interests, abilities, and passion. By discovering
these, they can develop a strong sense of identity which will guide them and influence
their choices as they journey throughout adulthood.
In the case given above, it seems like Bob has not yet developed an identity, or has
developed one but is weak, causing him to have failing grades and continuously shift from
one course to another. Maybe Bob lacked the proper resources and encouragement to
explore more, making him unsure and confused about himself and about the decisions he
make. One’s identity is shaped by their experiences and interactions with others, and it is
this identity that helps guide their actions, beliefs, and behaviors as they age. Maybe Bob
has failed to develop relationships with others which will help in shaping and
strengthening his identity, that is why he is constantly doubting and questioning himself
which is manifested through his failing grades and shifting of course.
2. What developmental stage seemed to have caused such situation? Justify your answer.
(5 points)
For me, the development stage which seemed to have caused such situation is the
adolescent stage. Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and
adulthood, and those who enter this stage go through many changes such as in the
physical aspect, intellectual aspect, personality, and social development. As part of the
changes they experience in the social and emotional aspect, they are also in the stage
where personal exploration is essential in order to build a strong sense of identity. An
