LMSW Human Development Theories 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Erikson's theory, the primary psychosocial task of young adulthood (ages 18–40) is:
- Identity vs. Role Confusion
- Intimacy vs. Isolation (Correct answer)
- Generativity vs. Stagnation
- Initiative vs. Guilt
Correct 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.
Question 2: In Kohut's self-psychology, 'mirroring' refers to a selfobject function in which:
- The client copies the therapist's behavior patterns
- The client experiences validation and confirmation of their grandiose self (Correct answer)
- The client identifies with an idealized figure for strength
- The client feels a sense of belonging with similar others
Correct 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.
Question 3: The concept of 'epigenesis' in Erikson's theory means that:
- Stages occur randomly based on environmental conditions
- Each stage builds on the previous and occurs in an invariant sequence (Correct answer)
- Development stops after adolescence
- Biological factors entirely determine developmental outcomes
Correct 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.
Question 4: A social worker assessing a client using Maslow's hierarchy would prioritize which intervention first for a homeless client with schizophrenia?
- Improving self-esteem through group therapy
- Securing food, shelter, and physical safety (Correct answer)
- Building meaningful social connections
- Facilitating self-actualization through creative expression
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which theorist is MOST associated with the concept of 'basic trust' as a developmental foundation?
- Sigmund Freud
- Jean Piaget
- Erik Erikson (Correct answer)
- John Bowlby
Correct answer: Erik Erikson
Erikson identified basic trust vs. mistrust as the first psychosocial crisis (birth–18 months), resolved through consistent, responsive caregiving.
Question 6: Cross's Nigrescence model describes the 'encounter' stage as a period when a Black individual:
- Has fully integrated a positive Black identity
- Experiences an event that challenges their previous racial worldview (Correct answer)
- Immerses themselves in Black culture and rejects White norms
- First acknowledges awareness of race in American society
Correct 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.
Question 7: According to attachment theory, 'disorganized attachment' in infancy is most strongly associated with:
- Overly permissive parenting styles
- Caregiver behaviors that are frightening or frightened (Correct answer)
- Inconsistent but generally safe caregiving
- Extended separations due to hospitalization
Correct 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.
LMSW Human Development Theories 5
According to Erikson's theory, the primary psychosocial task of young adulthood (ages 18–40) is: