Lifespan Development in Counseling Flashcards

A counselor is working with a 70-year-old client who expresses fear of becoming a burden to family. According to Erikson's theory, which psychosocial stage conflict is this client most likely navigating?

Answer: Ego integrity vs. despair

Ego integrity vs. despair is Erikson's stage for late adulthood (65+), involving reflection on life's meaning and acceptance of one's life as lived.

A 15-year-old presents with intense peer conflict and difficulty articulating personal values. Using Marcia's identity status model, which status BEST describes a teen who has not explored nor committed to any identity?

Answer: Identity diffusion

Identity diffusion involves neither exploration nor commitment, which is characteristic of adolescents who have not begun actively searching for identity.

During a session, a 3-year-old's parent reports the child insists on doing everything 'by myself.' According to Erikson, this child is in which developmental conflict?

Answer: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Autonomy vs. shame and doubt occurs in toddlerhood (18 months–3 years), when children strive for independence and self-control.

A counselor notes that a client in their mid-40s is questioning career choices and feeling unfulfilled despite external success. This presentation is MOST consistent with which developmental concept?

Answer: Midlife transition

Midlife transition, as described by Levinson, involves reassessment of life structure and meaning, typically occurring around ages 40–45.

A school counselor observes a 9-year-old who is motivated by completing projects and receiving praise for skills. According to Erikson, which developmental task is central at this age?

Answer: Industry vs. inferiority

Industry vs. inferiority (ages 6–12) involves children developing competence and pride in their abilities through school and social tasks.

A 28-year-old client reports difficulty forming close romantic relationships and fear of commitment. Using Erikson's framework, this reflects a challenge in which stage?

Answer: Intimacy vs. isolation

Intimacy vs. isolation (young adulthood, 20s–40s) involves forming close, meaningful relationships; failure results in feelings of isolation.

Which theorist proposed that moral development progresses through preconventional, conventional, and postconventional levels, each containing two stages?

Answer: Lawrence Kohlberg

Lawrence Kohlberg built on Piaget's work to describe six stages of moral reasoning across three levels of development.