Which psychosocial concept describes the adolescent's struggle to establish personal identity and social roles?

Which psychosocial concept describes the adolescent's struggle to establish personal identity and social roles?

• A. Autonomy vs Shame
• B. Industry vs Inferiority
• C. Identity vs Role Confusion
• D. Trust vs Mistrust

Answer: (C)

During adolescence, the key task is forming a personal identity and figuring out what social roles one will play in family, school, and society. This is captured by Identity vs Role Confusion, where teens explore different beliefs, values, and paths to develop a coherent sense of self. When this process resolves well, they gain a stable identity and a sense of direction for the future; if it doesn’t, they may experience uncertainty about who they are or what they want to become. Earlier stages like Autonomy vs Shame, Industry vs Inferiority, and Trust vs Mistrust pertain to younger developmental periods and do not capture the adolescent focus on identity formation.

During adolescence, the key task is forming a personal identity and figuring out what social roles one will play in family, school, and society. This is captured by Identity vs Role Confusion, where teens explore different beliefs, values, and paths to develop a coherent sense of self. When this process resolves well, they gain a stable identity and a sense of direction for the future; if it doesn’t, they may experience uncertainty about who they are or what they want to become. Earlier stages like Autonomy vs Shame, Industry vs Inferiority, and Trust vs Mistrust pertain to younger developmental periods and do not capture the adolescent focus on identity formation.