Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which concept is central to understanding Erikson's stages of psychosocial development?

1. Resolution of conflicts.

2. The importance of cognitive development.

3. Only childhood experiences matter.

4. The role of observable behavior.

The correct answer is: Resolution of conflicts.

The central concept of Erikson's stages of psychosocial development is the resolution of conflicts. Erikson proposed that individuals face a series of eight conflicts throughout their lifespan, each representing a critical psychosocial challenge. Successfully resolving these conflicts leads to healthy development and the acquisition of virtues, whereas failure to resolve them can result in psychological difficulties later in life. Each stage is characterized by a specific conflict that must be addressed, such as trust versus mistrust in infancy, or identity versus role confusion during adolescence. The resolution of these conflicts influences the individual's ability to navigate subsequent stages and impacts overall psychological health and well-being. The other options do not align with Erikson's model. The importance of cognitive development, while significant in other theories, like Piaget's, is not the centerpiece of Erikson’s psychosocial framework. Similarly, the idea that only childhood experiences matter overlooks the entire spectrum of Erikson’s stages that span across the lifespan, indicating that development continues into adulthood. The emphasis on observable behavior, as highlighted in behaviorist theories, does not encompass the psychosocial dimensions of Erikson’s approach, which integrates emotional and social aspects of human development. Thus, the resolution of conflicts effectively captures the essence of Erikson's contribution to understanding human development across different