Question

A client, age 36, with schizophrenia believes the room is bugged by the Central Intelligence Agency and that his roommate is a foreign spy. The client has never had a romantic relationship, has no contact with family members, and hasn't been employed in the last 14 years. Based on Erikson's theories, the nurse should recognize that this client is in which stage of psychosocial development?

Answer 1

The client, age 36, is at Erikson's stage of intimacy versus isolation, where adults form close relationships, and may face loneliness and isolation if they haven't developed a strong sense of self.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client described in the question, who is age 36 and exhibiting signs of schizophrenia, falls within Erik Erikson's stage of psychosocial development known as intimacy versus isolation. This stage typically concerns individuals in early adulthood, from their 20s through early 40s. Erikson suggested that the ability to form intimate relationships with others is contingent upon having a strong sense of self, which ideally develops during adolescence. If an individual has not achieved a sense of self or independence, they may struggle with loneliness and emotional isolation, which is consistent with the client's situation of having no romantic relationships, losing contact with family, and lacking employment. The nurse should recognize that the client's psychosocial development may be challenged by his mental health issues and his inability to form close, personal connections, reflecting difficulties primarily associated with the stage of intimacy versus isolation.