Question

A chronically ill adolescent has been hospitalized frequently for extended periods of time. Because of the severity of the illness and as a result of the hospitalization, the adolescent has been unable to develop a sense of who he is or what he will become. According to Erikson, these deficiencies will result in which of the following: A. role diffusion B. inferiority C. isolation D. stagnation

Short answer

According to Erikson, these deficiencies will result in A. role diffusion.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Erikson's Stages of Development

First, let's understand Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Erikson suggested that throughout a person's life, they pass through eight stages of development. Each stage presents a crisis that the individual must resolve to develop a healthy personality. For adolescents, the crisis is 'identity vs. role confusion,' which focuses on developing a sense of personal identity.

Applying the Theory to the Scenario

Now apply Erikson's theory to the given scenario, where the adolescent is prevented from developing a sense of self due to chronic illness and frequent hospitalizations. According to Erikson, if an adolescent cannot establish their identity during this stage, they may experience role confusion, sometimes called identity confusion.

Determining the Correct Outcome From the Options

From the options given, 'role diffusion' is another term for role confusion, which is the result of not successfully resolving the crisis of identity during adolescence. None of the other options (B: inferiority, C: isolation, D: stagnation) correspond directly to failures in developing an identity during adolescence according to Erikson's stages.

Key concepts

Identity vs. Role Confusion

During adolescence, individuals are in the midst of a pivotal psychosocial stage, identified by Erik Erikson as 'identity vs. role confusion'. This phase is characterized by the personal quest for identity, where teens explore various roles, beliefs, and values to develop a cohesive sense of self. Successful navigation through this stage results in a strong identity, giving a person the ability to stay true to themselves.

However, when an adolescent like the one in the exercise is hindered by external factors, such as chronic illness and repeated hospitalizations, they may struggle to engage socially and experiment with different roles. This impediment can lead to what Erikson defined as 'role confusion', an uncertainty about one's place in society and lack of personal direction.

• Role confusion can manifest as insecurity, indecisiveness, and a weak sense of self.
• It's crucial for adolescents to receive support in forming their identity to avoid role diffusion.
• Identity development can be fostered through positive experiences, supportive relationships, and opportunities for self-expression and exploration.

Psychosocial Development

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development provides a framework for understanding how individuals evolve through distinct life stages, each marked by a central conflict that serves as a turning point in development. These conflicts, or crises, require a balance between opposing psychological qualities to achieve a healthy personality and a sense of competence.

• The term 'psychosocial' refers to the interrelation of social factors and individual thought and behavior.
• Erikson's model comprises eight stages, from infancy through late adulthood, with outcomes ranging from trust to integrity.
• Each stage builds on the successful resolution of the previous conflict, akin to building blocks of personality.

Importance of Resolving Crises

The resolution of each crisis is vital because it affects one's ability to handle subsequent stages. An adolescent facing illness may find it difficult to resolve the identity versus role confusion crisis, which can impact later stages that rely on a strong sense of identity.

Adolescent Psychology

Adolescent psychology examines the psychological aspects of individuals typically aged 12-18 years as they transition from childhood into adulthood. This transitional stage is filled with rapid changes—physical, cognitive, emotional, and social—which all contribute to the development of identity.

Challenges for Adolescents

Adolescents face unique challenges, such as forming relationships outside the family, understanding their emerging sense of self, and finding their place in the larger societal context.

• Physical development can affect self-esteem and body image.
• Cognitive advancements enable abstract thinking and moral reasoning.
• Social interactions expand to include peers, which become increasingly significant.

For the adolescent in the exercise, their psychology has been disrupted by their chronic illness, impacting their ability to engage in standard developmental tasks and highlighting the importance of considering individual circumstances within the framework of adolescent psychology.