Question

Read the case given below and answer the questions that follow.

Nikki is a preschooler whose mother takes care of her daily activities. As Nikki acquires new skills, she wants to pack her school bag, decide her clothes and choose her toys. However, Nikki's mother does not allow her to do so.

1. Name and briefly describe the crisis/phase that Nikki is going through.
2. Explain the last five stages of Psychosocial Development.

Answer 1

1. When it comes to early childhood psychosocial development, Nikki is currently in the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage, which lasts for two to three years. Around this time, children start to feel more independent and self-sufficient as they pick up new skills and abilities, including dressing, feeding, and exploring their surroundings. They could become uncomfortable and lose confidence in their abilities if they are constantly judged or chastised for trying to live independently.
2. The five phases of psychosocial development are as follows:
   1. Identity vs. Role Confusion (adolescence): During this time, teenagers try to identify who they are and develop a sense of self. They might struggle with uncertainty or confusion over their identity and views and experiment with other roles and ideas.
   2. Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adulthood): People want strong relationships with individuals their age. They may develop committed relationships, passionate friendships, and romantic relationships, or they may feel isolated and alone.
   3. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle adulthood): At this point, individuals prefer to contribute positively to society and the next generation. They could be parents, involved in activism or volunteer work, pursuing rewarding careers or hobbies, or just feeling dissatisfied and unfulfilled.
   4. Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood): This stage is experienced by older people as they reflect on their lives and even attempt to make sense of them. They may feel fulfilled and happy if they believe they have lived a meaningful life; if not, they may sense regret and sadness.
   5. Transcendence (some people in late adulthood): At this point, some people may become less self-focused and begin to feel connected to the universe or spiritual. They might become more capable of reflection and philosophy and find meaning in things that happen outside of their own lives.