In Erikson's theory, which statement accurately describes the role of crises and virtues?

• A. Each stage has a psychosocial crisis and resolves to a basic virtue.
• B. Crises occur only during adolescence.
• C. Virtues are predetermined and not influenced by resolution.
• D. Stages are independent of social context.

Answer: (A)

Erikson's theory holds that development unfolds through a sequence of psychosocial crises at each life stage, and how each crisis is resolved shapes a basic virtue that guides later functioning. This means every stage presents a social challenge, and a successful resolution fosters a positive virtue—trust becomes hope, autonomy becomes will, initiative becomes purpose, industry becomes competence, and so on through the stages. The essence is that crises are integral to development across the lifespan and that resolving them well leads to virtues that support healthy functioning.

This view isn’t limited to adolescence, nor does it imply virtues are fixed or predetermined regardless of how a crisis is handled. It also emphasizes the role of social context and relationships in shaping how each crisis is resolved, which is why the statement describing each stage as having a psychosocial crisis that resolves to a basic virtue best captures the theory.