Which Erikson stage is associated with adolescence, and what is the primary psychosocial task?

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Adolescence centers on developing a personal identity while negotiating role confusion. During this period, individuals explore different roles, beliefs, and values to answer the question, “Who am I?” The primary psychosocial task is forming a coherent sense of self and committing to certain roles, values, and goals. When this exploration leads to a stable identity, the person gains fidelity—a sense of true self and direction. If the exploration is incomplete or overwhelmed by pressure, role confusion can result, leaving uncertainty about one’s place in the world and future paths. This stage is distinct from later life tasks—for example, intimacy versus isolation in young adulthood, generativity versus stagnation in middle adulthood, and integrity versus despair in old age—each addressing different developmental challenges.