Erikson identified the fifth stage of psychosocial development to occur in adolescence. He identified this stage as identity versus role confusion. For the questions below, I want you to reflect on your own experiences to add depth and support to your responses as well as using evidence from the textbook to support your response.ÂÂ
- Do you think identity is achieved in adolescence? Why or why not? Discuss in 1 to 2 detailed paragraphs.ÂÂ
If you think identity is not achieved in adolescence, please be sure to add what stage of development you believe this to occur and explain in detail (infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, late adulthood). See your lecture notes for the age ranges for each stage if needed.ÂÂ
In your response, give an example from your own life to support your response. The example could be about you or someone you know well. Only share what you feel comfortable sharing but remember to include thorough explanations for your thoughts. ÂÂ
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Erikson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development—identity vs. role confusion—focuses on the struggle adolescents face in developing a personal identity. While this stage is crucial for laying the foundation of one’s identity, I believe identity is not fully achieved in adolescence. Rather, it continues to evolve into young adulthood and even middle adulthood. During adolescence, individuals begin exploring different roles, values, and beliefs, but these explorations often remain superficial. Factors like peer influence, limited life experience, and lack of independence can restrict adolescents’ ability to form a stable and enduring identity.
According to Erikson, adolescence (ages 12–18) is a time of significant self-exploration. However, this exploration does not always result in clarity or commitment. James Marcia expanded on Erikson’s work and identified four identity statuses: identity diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement. Many adolescents are in moratorium—actively exploring but not yet committed—or diffusion—not exploring or committed. Based on both theory and personal experience, I believe a stable identity is often reached in young adulthood (ages 18–40), when individuals begin making lasting choices about careers, relationships, and values. For example, in high school, I wanted to pursue a career in medicine simply because it sounded respectable and my parents supported it. However, in college, I explored different subjects, took internships, and realized my passion was actually in education and counseling. This shift helped me develop a clearer, more authentic identity that felt personally meaningful—not just socially acceptable.
Thus, while adolescence initiates the identity development process, achieving a well-defined identity is more realistic in young adulthood, when individuals gain autonomy and real-world experience. This progression is both natural and necessary, as identity formation is a complex and ongoing journey shaped by lived experiences over time.
