Concept

Stage 5 of Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

In the fifth stage of psychosocial development, identity versus role confusion, which occurs during adolescence (ages 12–18), the primary task is to develop a sense of self. Adolescents grapple with the fundamental questions “Who am I?” and “Who do I want to be?” as they explore their identity, often by experimenting with different personas. Successfully navigating this stage leads to a strong sense of identity, enabling individuals to stay true to their beliefs and values. Failure to resolve this conflict, either through apathy or by conforming to external pressures, results in a weak sense of self and confusion about one's identity and future.

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Updated 2025-10-10

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