Human Growth and Development CLEP Prep Practice Exam

According to the psychosocial theory, which of the following is a task of the elderly?

1. Learning new skills

2. Developing a personal identity

3. Developing relationships

4. Integrating life experiences

The correct answer is: Integrating life experiences

The psychosocial theory, developed by renowned psychologist Erik Erikson, states that there are eight stages of development that individuals experience throughout their lifetime. Each stage has a corresponding psychosocial crisis or challenge that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. The task of the elderly, according to this theory, is to integrate their life experiences and reflect on their past accomplishments and failures. This helps them to maintain a sense of integrity and wisdom as they enter the later stages of life. Option A, learning new skills, pertains to the earlier stages of development. Option B, developing a personal identity, is a task that typically occurs in adolescence. Option C, developing relationships, is a task that is relevant throughout one's lifespan and is not specific to the elderly. Therefore, option D, integrating life experiences, is the most appropriate task of the elderly according to the psychosocial theory.