Question

The nurse using Erikson's theory to assess a 20-year-old client's developmental status expects to find which of the following behaviors?

A) Coping with physical and social losses
B) Enjoys participating in the community
C) Applying self to learning skills
D) Overcoming a sense of guilt or frustration

Answer 1

According to Erikson's theory, a 20-year-old is expected to be addressing the challenge of overcoming isolation to achieve intimacy as they form close relationships with others. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure may result in a sense of isolation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a 20-year-old client's developmental status using Erik Erikson's theory, a nurse would expect to see them dealing with the challenge of overcoming isolation to achieve intimacy. This is the developmental task typically associated with young adulthood, a period that spans from the late teens through the 20s. According to Erikson, individuals at this stage are focused on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success at this stage leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and a sense of isolation.

Erikson outlined eight stages of development over the human lifespan, with each stage presenting a unique challenge. In late adulthood, the challenge is integrity versus despair, where the individual reflects on their life and either achieves a sense of fulfillment or experiences regret and despair. Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of resolving social and psychological conflicts to develop a healthy personality and a robust sense of self.