Which stage describes identity exploration in adolescence?

Which stage describes identity exploration in adolescence?

• A. Intimacy vs Isolation Stage
• B. Identity v. Role Confusion Stage
• C. Formal Operational Stage
• D. Sensorimotor Stage

Answer: (B)

Identity exploration during adolescence is captured by Erikson’s stage of identity vs. role confusion. In this period, teens actively try out different roles, values, beliefs, and future paths to see what fits and who they want to become. When they gradually consolidate a sense of self and can commit to certain roles and beliefs, they develop a stable identity and a sense of fidelity to those choices. If this exploration is not resolved, there can be role confusion—uncertainty about who they are, what they believe, and what path to follow—which can hang over many later life decisions. Intimacy vs. isolation happens later, in young adulthood, and focuses on forming close relationships. The other options come from different theories: the Formal Operational Stage is Piaget’s stage involving abstract reasoning, and the Sensorimotor Stage is infancy, focusing on sensory and motor interactions with the world.

Identity exploration during adolescence is captured by Erikson’s stage of identity vs. role confusion. In this period, teens actively try out different roles, values, beliefs, and future paths to see what fits and who they want to become. When they gradually consolidate a sense of self and can commit to certain roles and beliefs, they develop a stable identity and a sense of fidelity to those choices. If this exploration is not resolved, there can be role confusion—uncertainty about who they are, what they believe, and what path to follow—which can hang over many later life decisions.

Intimacy vs. isolation happens later, in young adulthood, and focuses on forming close relationships. The other options come from different theories: the Formal Operational Stage is Piaget’s stage involving abstract reasoning, and the Sensorimotor Stage is infancy, focusing on sensory and motor interactions with the world.