Question

A person is badly disfigured by the lawnmower blade when mowing a lawn. According to Erikson’s theory, which age at the time of injury will be associated with the greatest risk of long-term psychologic effects?

Answer 1

Answer: 11 years

Explanation: an 11 year old child is generally in Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority, which involves the mastery of skills; unfortunately, the child did not master the skill of lawn mowing. Also, the child will be entering adolescence (stage of identity versus confusion), when major physical and emotional changes occur in relation to how one is perceived by the self and by others. A 35-year-old adult is generally in Erikson’s stage of intimacy versusisolation and therefore is less concerned about proving industriousness; a person of this age has usually moved through the stage of identity versus confusion. A 55-year-old adult is generally in the stage of generativity versus stagnation, is therefore less concerned about being industrious, and has moved through the stage of identity versus confusion. A 70-year-old adult is generally in Erikson’s stage of ego integrity versus despair, is less concerned about becoming industrious, and has moved through the stage of identity versus confusion.