Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which author focused on developmental tasks from infancy through late adulthood?

1. Robert J. Havinghurst

2. Lawrence Kohlberg

3. William Perry

4. Carl Rogers

The correct answer is: Robert J. Havinghurst

Robert J. Havinghurst is known for his work on developmental tasks throughout the lifespan. He proposed a model that outlines specific tasks that individuals must navigate as they progress through various stages of development, from infancy to late adulthood. This framework emphasizes that individuals face distinct challenges or tasks at different ages, which are crucial for personal growth and adaptation. Havinghurst's theory is integral to understanding how people grow and change, particularly in how they acquire skills, establish relationships, and develop a sense of self throughout their lives. This focus on developmental tasks across the lifespan differentiates his work from that of the other authors listed. Lawrence Kohlberg, for example, concentrated on moral development rather than a comprehensive view of life tasks. Similarly, William Perry's work dealt with cognitive development primarily in college students rather than the full lifespan. Carl Rogers, known for his person-centered therapy, focused more on therapeutic relationships and self-actualization than on developmental tasks tied to specific life stages. Thus, Havinghurst's emphasis on benchmarks throughout the entire developmental period clearly identifies him as the correct answer in this context.