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?

1) Trust vs. Mistrust
2) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
3) Initiative vs. Guilt
4) Industry vs. Inferiority
5) Identity vs. Role Confusion
6) Intimacy vs. Isolation
7) Generativity vs. Stagnation
8) Integrity vs. Despair

Answer 1

The 36-year-old client with schizophrenia, according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, is in the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation, where the individual seeks to form intimate relationships and may face loneliness and emotional isolation if this stage is not successfully navigated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client you described, a 36-year-old with schizophrenia, is according to Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, at the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation. This stage usually occurs in early adulthood, categorized as the period from the 20s through to the early 40s. At this point in life, individuals are concerned with forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Failure to successfully navigate this stage can result in loneliness and emotional isolation, which seems to be exhibited by the client's lack of romantic relationships, family contact, and employment.

Erikson suggested that a strong sense of self is essential before being able to develop intimate relationships. This client's belief system, which includes delusions of surveillance and conspiracy, could indicate difficulties in forming a realistic self-concept, which can be part of the challenge in achieving intimacy over isolation. The nurse should understand these psychosocial challenges as they apply to the client's current developmental stage.