What is Erikson's psychosocial stage for ages 12 to 18?

• A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
• B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
• C. Industry vs. Inferiority
• D. Initiative vs. Guilt

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that adolescence is a time of forming a stable sense of self. In Erikson’s framework, the challenge during ages roughly 12 to 18 is Identity vs. Role Confusion. Teens experiment with different roles, beliefs, values, and future paths—career, relationships, and personal beliefs—to build a coherent sense of who they are. When this resolves well, they develop a solid identity and the ability to commit to choices and relationships. When it doesn’t, they may experience role confusion, feeling uncertain about their place in the world and what they stand for. This stage sits after childhood’s focus on developing competence and before later steps that involve deep intimate relationships, aligning perfectly with the adolescent period.