In Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which stage corresponds to adolescence?

• A. Autonomy v. Doubt
• B. Intimacy v. Isolation
• C. Trust v. Mistrust
• D. Identity v. Role Confusion

Answer: (D)

Adolescence centers on forming a personal identity—the sense of who you are, what you believe, the roles you want to try, and how you see your future. This phase asks you to weave together values, beliefs, career plans, and social roles into a coherent sense of self. When you navigate this successfully, you develop a stable identity and the ability to commit to others, preparing you for intimate relationships and adult responsibilities. If this process is unresolved, you may experience role confusion—uncertainty about your place in the world, ongoing doubts about beliefs or career paths, and difficulty forming a clear future. The other stages in Erikson’s theory occur at different life periods: trust vs. mistrust in infancy, autonomy vs. doubt in early childhood, and intimacy vs. isolation occurs after identity has formed.