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Human Development Theories Flashcards

7 cards from real LMSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Human Development Theories flashcards as text

  1. According to Erikson's theory, the primary psychosocial task of young adulthood (ages 18–40) is:

    Answer: Intimacy vs. Isolation

    Intimacy vs. Isolation is Erikson's sixth stage, during which individuals strive to form deep, committed relationships or risk social and emotional isolation.

  2. In Kohut's self-psychology, 'mirroring' refers to a selfobject function in which:

    Answer: The client experiences validation and confirmation of their grandiose self

    Mirroring selfobject experiences involve having one's ambitions, greatness, and worth affirmed by an empathic other, essential for healthy self-development.

  3. The concept of 'epigenesis' in Erikson's theory means that:

    Answer: Each stage builds on the previous and occurs in an invariant sequence

    Epigenesis holds that each psychosocial stage unfolds in a predetermined sequence, with earlier resolutions forming the foundation for later stages.

  4. A social worker assessing a client using Maslow's hierarchy would prioritize which intervention first for a homeless client with schizophrenia?

    Answer: Securing food, shelter, and physical safety

    Maslow's hierarchy requires that physiological and safety needs (base of the pyramid) be addressed before higher-order needs such as belonging or esteem.

  5. Which theorist is MOST associated with the concept of 'basic trust' as a developmental foundation?

    Answer: Erik Erikson

    Erikson identified basic trust vs. mistrust as the first psychosocial crisis (birth–18 months), resolved through consistent, responsive caregiving.

  6. Cross's Nigrescence model describes the 'encounter' stage as a period when a Black individual:

    Answer: Experiences an event that challenges their previous racial worldview

    The encounter stage is triggered by a specific experience (e.g., racism) that destabilizes the person's pre-existing identity and motivates racial identity exploration.

  7. According to attachment theory, 'disorganized attachment' in infancy is most strongly associated with:

    Answer: Caregiver behaviors that are frightening or frightened

    Disorganized attachment (Main & Hesse) arises when the caregiver is the source of both fear and comfort, creating an unresolvable approach-avoidance conflict in the infant.