Which Erikson stage is primarily associated with adolescence and the development of a sense of self?

• A. Identity vs. role confusion
• B. Trust vs mistrust
• C. Autonomy vs. shame
• D. Industry vs inferiority

Answer: (A)

Forming a stable sense of self during adolescence is described by Erikson as identity vs. role confusion. In this stage, teens explore different roles, values, beliefs, and career paths to develop a personal identity. When they integrate these explorations into a coherent self and can commit to certain beliefs and plans, they gain a clear sense of who they are and where they’re headed. If this exploration is hindered or unresolved, they may experience role confusion, feeling uncertain about their place in the world and what they want to be. This focus on building identity stands apart from earlier stages—trust vs. mistrust in infancy and autonomy vs. shame in early childhood—where the priorities are safety and independence, and from industry vs. inferiority in school-age years, where competence and mastery are key.