Adolescence (12-18) Erikson stage?

• A. Integrity vs Despair
• B. Identity vs Confusion
• C. Intimacy vs Isolation
• D. Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt

Answer: (B)

During adolescence the central task is forming a personal identity and figuring out who you are and what you stand for. In Erikson's theory, this is the stage of identity vs role confusion. When young people explore different roles, beliefs, and goals and arrive at a coherent sense of self, they develop fidelity—a stable, enduring sense of self that helps them commit to values, relationships, and future plans. If exploration is blocked or there’s pressure to conform without genuine self-understanding, it leads to role confusion—a sense of uncertainty about one’s place in the world and difficulty forming consistent beliefs or a clear path forward. This exploration often involves trying on different identities, styles, and activities while seeking independence and belonging.

The other stages correspond to different life periods: autonomy vs shame/doubt is about early childhood independence; intimacy vs isolation is about forming close relationships in young adulthood; integrity vs despair is about reflecting on life in later years.