Which psychologist developed the developmental task concept?

Which psychologist developed the developmental task concept?

• A. Erik Erikson
• B. Jean Piaget
• C. Robert Havinghurst
• D. Sigmund Freud

Answer: (C)

Developmental tasks are the activities and responsibilities people are expected to master at specific life stages to function well in their culture. This concept was developed by Robert Havinghurst. He argued that successfully completing these tasks leads to social competence and personal growth, while struggling with them can cause difficulties later in life. Havinghurst outlined a sequence of tasks across the lifespan—from early childhood basics like self-care and cooperation, through adolescence tasks such as forming a sense of identity and preparing for independence, to adulthood tasks like developing intimate relationships, pursuing education or work, and parenting. This perspective emphasizes how development follows culturally expected milestones that guide growth. Other well-known theorists—Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Sigmund Freud—focus on psychosocial crises, cognitive development, and psychosexual stages, respectively, rather than a framework centered on developmental tasks across the lifespan.

Developmental tasks are the activities and responsibilities people are expected to master at specific life stages to function well in their culture. This concept was developed by Robert Havinghurst. He argued that successfully completing these tasks leads to social competence and personal growth, while struggling with them can cause difficulties later in life. Havinghurst outlined a sequence of tasks across the lifespan—from early childhood basics like self-care and cooperation, through adolescence tasks such as forming a sense of identity and preparing for independence, to adulthood tasks like developing intimate relationships, pursuing education or work, and parenting. This perspective emphasizes how development follows culturally expected milestones that guide growth. Other well-known theorists—Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Sigmund Freud—focus on psychosocial crises, cognitive development, and psychosexual stages, respectively, rather than a framework centered on developmental tasks across the lifespan.