Which psychosocial conflict is faced during adolescence according to Erikson?

During adolescence, individuals are primarily engaged in the psychosocial conflict of identity versus role confusion, as proposed by Erik Erikson. This stage typically occurs from around ages 12 to 18 and is crucial for developing a sense of self and personal identity. During this period, adolescents begin to explore different roles, beliefs, and values that help them form their own identity.

As adolescents navigate this stage, they experiment with various social roles and facets of their personality, which can sometimes lead to confusion about their place in society and their future. Successfully resolving this conflict results in a strong sense of self and confidence, while failure can lead to instability and confusion regarding one’s identity.

The other psychosocial conflicts mentioned occur at different stages of life. Intimacy versus isolation is the conflict faced in young adulthood, focusing on forming intimate, loving relationships. Industry versus inferiority occurs in childhood, where individuals develop a sense of competence relative to their peers. Initiative versus guilt takes place in early childhood, emphasizing the importance of initiative and exploring new ideas within a supportive environment. Each of these crises is significant but pertains to different developmental stages, making identity versus role confusion the correct answer for the adolescent period.