In Havinghurst's framework, adolescence includes tasks such as which of the following?

In Havinghurst's framework, adolescence includes tasks such as which of the following?

• A. Learning how to relate with members of the opposite sex
• B. Learning to walk
• C. Learning to eat solid foods
• D. Adjusting to death of a spouse

Answer: (B)

Havinghurst sees adolescence as a period for mastering social roles and personal independence that prepare for adulthood. A key part of this stage is developing closer, more mature relationships with peers, including members of the opposite sex, which lays the groundwork for dating and intimate partnerships. This focus on social and romantic development during adolescence is why the option describing learning to relate with members of the opposite sex best fits Havighurst’s adolescent tasks. The other options are milestones from earlier life stages or later life experiences—learning to walk and learning to eat solid foods are infancy milestones, and adjusting to the death of a spouse is typically a concern of later adulthood.

Havinghurst sees adolescence as a period for mastering social roles and personal independence that prepare for adulthood. A key part of this stage is developing closer, more mature relationships with peers, including members of the opposite sex, which lays the groundwork for dating and intimate partnerships. This focus on social and romantic development during adolescence is why the option describing learning to relate with members of the opposite sex best fits Havighurst’s adolescent tasks. The other options are milestones from earlier life stages or later life experiences—learning to walk and learning to eat solid foods are infancy milestones, and adjusting to the death of a spouse is typically a concern of later adulthood.