Which Erikson stage is most relevant to adolescence?

• A. Identity vs. role confusion
• B. Autonomy vs Shame
• C. Industry vs Inferiority
• D. Intimacy vs Isolation

Answer: (A)

The main challenge for adolescence is developing a coherent sense of self, as teens experiment with values, beliefs, and future roles. This is captured by the stage of identity versus role confusion. When adolescents successfully integrate these elements, they gain a stable identity and direction for their life. If they struggle, they may experience uncertainty about who they are or what they want to become, leading to role confusion. The other stages occur at different ages: autonomy versus shame is about gaining independence in early childhood; industry versus inferiority focuses on competence during the school years; intimacy versus isolation concerns forming close relationships in young adulthood. So, the stage most relevant to adolescence is identity versus role confusion.