Which Erikson stage is most associated with adolescence, and what is the central task?

Which Erikson stage is most associated with adolescence, and what is the central task?

• A. Identity vs. role confusion; developing a coherent sense of self
• B. Intimacy vs. isolation; forming close relationships
• C. Autonomy vs. shame; gaining independence
• D. Trust vs. mistrust; building basic trust

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how adolescence centers on forming a coherent sense of self. Erikson identified this period as identity vs role confusion. The central task is to develop a stable, integrated sense of who you are, what you value, and where you’re headed. When this is resolved well, you gain fidelity—the ability to commit to your own values and to others, shaping consistent choices and directions in life. If identity remains unclear, you may experience role confusion, feeling uncertain about your goals, beliefs, and place in the world. That’s why this option fits adolescence best. Other stages relate to different times: autonomy vs. shame concerns independence in early childhood, trust vs. mistrust is about early infancy and basic trust, and intimacy vs. isolation pertains to forming close relationships in young adulthood.

The main idea here is how adolescence centers on forming a coherent sense of self. Erikson identified this period as identity vs role confusion. The central task is to develop a stable, integrated sense of who you are, what you value, and where you’re headed. When this is resolved well, you gain fidelity—the ability to commit to your own values and to others, shaping consistent choices and directions in life. If identity remains unclear, you may experience role confusion, feeling uncertain about your goals, beliefs, and place in the world.

That’s why this option fits adolescence best. Other stages relate to different times: autonomy vs. shame concerns independence in early childhood, trust vs. mistrust is about early infancy and basic trust, and intimacy vs. isolation pertains to forming close relationships in young adulthood.