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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > Electives

Erikson Stages Practice Quiz

Challenge your development understanding with our quiz

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jordan MingaUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 11
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art for a trivia quiz on Eriksons stages of psychosocial development for students.

This 20-question quiz helps you practice Erikson's stages of development and see how crises like trust vs. mistrust and identity vs. role confusion build across the life span in high school psychology. Use it to spot gaps before a class quiz or exam.

Which psychosocial crisis is central to infancy in Erikson's theory?
Autonomy vs shame and doubt
Industry vs inferiority
Trust vs mistrust
Initiative vs guilt
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The basic virtue associated with successful resolution of autonomy vs shame and doubt is
Hope
Purpose
Will
Fidelity
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During which approximate age range does initiative vs guilt primarily occur?
12 to 18 years
3 to 5 years
Birth to 1 year
6 to 11 years
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In Erikson's model, the adolescent crisis of identity vs role confusion most directly concerns
Learning conservation of mass
Forming a coherent sense of self
Developing object permanence
Establishing attachment bonds
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Industry vs inferiority is most often fostered through success in
Romantic commitment
Toilet training
Schoolwork and skill mastery
End-of-life reminiscence
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The primary psychosocial task of young adulthood in Erikson's theory is
Ego integrity vs despair
Intimacy vs isolation
Generativity vs stagnation
Identity vs role confusion
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Generativity vs stagnation typically unfolds in which period of life?
Middle adulthood
Infancy
Early childhood
Late adulthood
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Which stage is primarily associated with the virtue of fidelity?
Intimacy vs isolation
Trust vs mistrust
Industry vs inferiority
Identity vs role confusion
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The virtue of care emerges from successful resolution of which stage?
Intimacy vs isolation
Ego integrity vs despair
Generativity vs stagnation
Industry vs inferiority
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Excessive criticism and control during early toddlerhood most risks which maladaptive outcome?
Inferiority
Shame and doubt
Guilt
Despair
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Peer comparison and feedback in elementary school most directly shape which stage?
Industry vs inferiority
Generativity vs stagnation
Intimacy vs isolation
Autonomy vs shame and doubt
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Mentoring younger colleagues and raising a family are classic expressions of
Fidelity
Generativity
Initiative
Autonomy
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A teen exploring different clubs and styles without firm commitment is best described as being in a period of
Stagnation
Despair
Psychosocial moratorium
Basic mistrust
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According to Erikson, each stage involves a balance between a syntonic and a dystonic element. Here, syntonic refers to
An unrelated temperament trait
The cultural norm of the society
The positive, adaptive pole of the crisis
The fixed biological schedule of maturation
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Which of the following best captures Erikson's epigenetic principle?
Development is random and unstructured across the lifespan
Development unfolds in a predetermined sequence with stages building on prior outcomes
Only childhood experiences matter for personality
All stages occur simultaneously without order
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Fidelity involves the capacity to sustain loyalties freely pledged amidst identity commitments.
False
True
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In Erikson's theory, each crisis has only negative potential and no constructive function.
False
True
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Overidentification with peer groups to the exclusion of personal beliefs exemplifies fidelity.
False
True
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According to Erikson, a balanced outcome includes some experience of the negative pole as well as the positive.
False
True
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Identity foreclosure refers to firm commitments made after extensive exploration.
False
True
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0

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify and describe each stage of Erikson's psychosocial development.
  2. Analyze the core challenges and tasks associated with each stage.
  3. Evaluate the impacts of successful and unsuccessful resolution of psychosocial crises.
  4. Compare and contrast developmental outcomes at different life stages.
  5. Apply theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios and case studies.

Erikson Stages Development Cheat Sheet

  1. Eight Stages Overview - Erikson's theory lays out eight exciting chapters of our social and emotional journey, each with its own challenge to conquer. From infancy's first cries to golden‑years reflections, every stage adds a piece to your personal puzzle. Tackling each head‑on helps you understand why you think and feel the way you do as you grow.
  2. Trust vs. Mistrust - In infancy (birth to 18 months), babies learn if the world is a safe, snuggly place or a scary one. Reliable caregivers who respond with warmth and care help infants build basic trust, while inconsistency can plant seeds of doubt. This first step lays the foundation for all future relationships.
  3. Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt - Toddlers (18 months to 3 years) start saying "Me do it!" as they explore personal control. Gentle encouragement boosts independence, but harsh criticism can make them hesitate to try new things. This tug‑of‑war shapes their confidence and decision-making skills.
  4. Initiative vs. Guilt - From ages 3 to 5, kids love to take the lead - directing playdates and asking tons of "Why?" questions. When grown-ups cheer them on, they blossom into creative go‑getters; when they're shut down, guilt can clip their adventurous spirit. This stage powers their imagination and sense of purpose.
  5. Industry vs. Inferiority - School‑age children (6 to 11 years) dive into skills like reading, sports, and friendships to earn applause from teachers and peers. Success builds a sense of competence, while repeated setbacks may spark feelings of inferiority. This phase shapes how hard they'll keep trying when challenges pop up.
  6. Identity vs. Role Confusion - Teens (12 to 18 years) embark on an epic quest: Who am I? They experiment with different styles, beliefs, and friend groups to form a unique identity. Navigating this discovery leads to confidence in who they are; getting stuck can cause confusion about where they fit.
  7. Intimacy vs. Isolation - In young adulthood, forging close relationships becomes the main mission. Successful connections bring deep intimacy and trust, while fear of rejection can lead to loneliness and isolation. Finding balance here sets the tone for lasting bonds.
  8. Generativity vs. Stagnation - During middle adulthood, people seek to give back - through parenting, work projects, or community service. Contributing to the next generation sparks a sense of purpose, whereas feeling stuck can lead to frustration and stagnation. This stage defines your legacy.
  9. Integrity vs. Despair - In late adulthood, looking back on life brings pride or regret. Embracing achievements and relationships leads to a sense of fulfillment and wisdom, while lingering "what‑ifs" can result in despair. This reflection caps off the human story.
  10. Lifelong Development - Erikson reminds us that growth never stops: each stage builds on the last and influences our personality, relationships, and resilience. Understanding this full‑circle journey helps students appreciate the "why" behind human behavior at every age.
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