Which is the central task of Erikson's stage most associated with adolescence?

Which is the central task of Erikson's stage most associated with adolescence?

• A. Forming intimate relationships
• B. Developing a coherent sense of self
• C. Gaining autonomy from caregivers
• D. Building trust in caregivers

Answer: (B)

Developing a coherent sense of self, or forming an identity, is the central task during adolescence. In Erikson’s theory this stage is identity vs role confusion. During adolescence, teens try out different roles, beliefs, and goals and weave them into a stable sense of who they are. When this is successful, they emerge with a clear, enduring sense of self and direction for the future. When it isn’t, they may experience role confusion, feeling uncertain about their place in the world and what they want to become. The other options fit earlier life stages or different social domains: gaining autonomy from caregivers aligns with autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood, building trust in caregivers with trust vs. mistrust in infancy, and forming intimate relationships is more about the next stage of development in adulthood.

Developing a coherent sense of self, or forming an identity, is the central task during adolescence. In Erikson’s theory this stage is identity vs role confusion. During adolescence, teens try out different roles, beliefs, and goals and weave them into a stable sense of who they are. When this is successful, they emerge with a clear, enduring sense of self and direction for the future. When it isn’t, they may experience role confusion, feeling uncertain about their place in the world and what they want to become. The other options fit earlier life stages or different social domains: gaining autonomy from caregivers aligns with autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood, building trust in caregivers with trust vs. mistrust in infancy, and forming intimate relationships is more about the next stage of development in adulthood.