Final answer:
According to Seligman, achievement is likely to be greatest when adopting the mastery mode, which is a focus on personal growth and learning. This contrasts with avoidance or perfectionist modes and is different from Erikson's theory, where the main adolescent task is feeling competent. The answer is option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seligman suggested that achievement is likely to be greatest when a person adopts the mastery mode. This concept is related to positive psychology, which focuses on fostering strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The mastery approach involves a focus on learning, growth, and the development of competence. This is opposed to other modes such as avoidance, which is characterized by a focus on avoiding failure, or a perfectionist mode, which can be associated with fear of making mistakes and unrealistically high standards.
Although related to the question, Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is a distinct topic that describes the main task of the adolescent as feeling competent. This stage is known as the 'Industry vs. Inferiority' stage, where the primary focus for adolescents is developing a sense of skill and competency in dealing with the world around them.