Erikson Stages of Development Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. According to Erikson, which psychosocial conflict follows identity vs. role confusion?
Integrity vs. despair
Generativity vs. stagnation
Industry vs. inferiority
Intimacy vs. isolation
2. Which situation is more characteristic of generativity than of intimacy in Erikson’s theory?
Learning whether caregivers can be relied upon
Investing in people, work, or community efforts that contribute beyond oneself
Building a mutually committed relationship with a partner
Exploring personal beliefs and occupational possibilities
3. Which basic virtue is traditionally associated with a positive resolution of trust vs. mistrust?
Will
Hope
Purpose
Care
4. A school-age child gains confidence by learning to build models, complete assignments, and improve through practice. Which conflict does this illustrate?
Initiative vs. guilt
Identity vs. role confusion
Industry vs. inferiority
Generativity vs. stagnation
5. A young adult wants a close partnership but fears becoming emotionally vulnerable or committed. Which Eriksonian conflict best frames this tension?
Identity vs. role confusion
Generativity vs. stagnation
Intimacy vs. isolation
Trust vs. mistrust
6. A consistently responsive caregiver helps an infant begin to experience the world as dependable. Which conflict is most directly involved?
Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
Industry vs. inferiority
Initiative vs. guilt
Trust vs. mistrust
7. An adult devotes time to mentoring younger colleagues and supporting projects that will benefit future generations. Which stage is most directly expressed?
Industry vs. inferiority
Generativity vs. stagnation
Integrity vs. despair
Identity vs. role confusion
8. A child persists with schoolwork and takes pride in mastering increasingly complex tasks. Which Eriksonian virtue is most closely being developed?
Fidelity
Purpose
Wisdom
Competence
9. A toddler insists on choosing a shirt and trying to dress without help. In Erikson’s theory, supportive guidance most directly encourages which resolution?
A sense of autonomy rather than shame and doubt
A sense of competence rather than inferiority
A sense of purpose rather than guilt
A sense of identity rather than role confusion
10. Which psychosocial conflict did Erikson associate most closely with adolescence?
Identity vs. role confusion
Industry vs. inferiority
Intimacy vs. isolation
Integrity vs. despair
11. Which example best distinguishes initiative from the earlier task of autonomy?
A teenager explores values, rather than trying to form a lasting partnership
A child masters academic skills, rather than depending on a caregiver for reassurance
A child creates a game and recruits others, rather than mainly practicing independent self-control
An adult guides the next generation, rather than reviewing life with acceptance
12. Which sequence places four Eriksonian conflicts in their typical developmental order, from earlier to later?
Initiative, autonomy, identity, industry
Trust, industry, autonomy, intimacy
Industry, initiative, intimacy, identity
Autonomy, initiative, industry, identity
13. A preschooler invents a pretend shop and assigns roles to friends. Which stage is most relevant to encouraging this child’s planning and self-directed activity?
Trust vs. mistrust
Initiative vs. guilt
Industry vs. inferiority
Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
14. A student repeatedly receives the message that their efforts are inadequate and begins avoiding tasks that could reveal their ability. Which negative outcome is most relevant?
Inferiority
Guilt
Mistrust
Stagnation
15. An older adult reflects on both successes and regrets yet experiences life as meaningful and coherent overall. Which positive resolution does this best illustrate?
Integrity rather than despair
Generativity rather than stagnation
Intimacy rather than isolation
Identity rather than role confusion
16. In Erikson’s framework, what virtue is associated with resolving identity vs. role confusion positively?
Love
Care
Fidelity
Will