Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What primary psychosocial need should be considered for an adolescent in care?

1. Becoming industrious

2. Establishing identity

3. Achieving intimacy

4. Developing initiative

The correct answer is: Establishing identity

The primary psychosocial need of establishing identity is crucial for adolescents as this stage in their development involves a significant exploration of self and a search for personal identity. During adolescence, individuals are typically challenged to form a coherent sense of self, which includes understanding their values, beliefs, and goals. This process often involves questioning parental influences and societal expectations while experimenting with different roles and experiences. Focusing on establishing identity allows healthcare providers to support adolescents in navigating the complexities of this developmental stage, encouraging self-reflection and fostering discussions about their interests, aspirations, and relationships. By prioritizing identity formation, those in care can help adolescents build confidence and make informed choices that align with their sense of self. The other psychosocial needs mentioned, while significant in their own right, are more related to later stages of development or are subsequent to the establishment of identity. For instance, achieving intimacy becomes more relevant after a stable identity has been formed, suggesting a capacity for meaningful relationships with others. Similarly, becoming industrious and developing initiative are important, but they generally emerge from or are enhanced by a strong sense of identity.