Which Erikson stage corresponds to adolescence and involves striving for identity, forming personal values, and experimenting with different lifestyles?

• A. Adolescence (Identity vs Role Confusion)
• B. Early childhood (Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt)
• C. Birth to 18 months (Basic Trust vs Basic Mistrust)
• D. Young adulthood (Intimacy vs Isolation)

Answer: (A)

Identity formation during adolescence is about establishing who you are and what you stand for. In Erikson’s theory, adolescence centers on the stage of identity vs role confusion. The task here is to develop a coherent sense of self by integrating personal values, beliefs, goals, and future roles. This often involves experimenting with different lifestyles, beliefs, and potential identities to see what fits.

Successfully navigating this stage leads to fidelity—a stable sense of self and a clear sense of belonging to a broader community. When this identity isn’t formed, role confusion can arise, leaving the person uncertain about their place in the world.

The description in the question—striving for identity, forming personal values, and trying out different lifestyles—fits this adolescent stage exactly, whereas other stages involve different developmental challenges (such as autonomy in early childhood or forming intimate relationships in young adulthood).