Which stage involves exploring and then adopting a personal identity?

Which stage involves exploring and then adopting a personal identity?

• A. Identity vs Confusion
• B. Integrity vs Despair
• C. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• D. Industry vs Inferiority

Answer: (A)

Exploration and adoption of a personal identity happens during adolescence in Erikson's psychosocial framework. This period is about testing different roles, beliefs, and values and then committing to a coherent sense of who you are. When this identity is formed, you gain a stable sense of self and direction for the future. If it isn’t resolved, you may experience role confusion, unsure of your place in the world. The other stages occur at different times: gaining independence in early childhood deals with autonomy versus shame and doubt; developing competence in school tasks happens during middle childhood as industry versus inferiority; reflecting on life and its meaning comes with integrity versus despair in older adulthood.

Exploration and adoption of a personal identity happens during adolescence in Erikson's psychosocial framework. This period is about testing different roles, beliefs, and values and then committing to a coherent sense of who you are. When this identity is formed, you gain a stable sense of self and direction for the future. If it isn’t resolved, you may experience role confusion, unsure of your place in the world.

The other stages occur at different times: gaining independence in early childhood deals with autonomy versus shame and doubt; developing competence in school tasks happens during middle childhood as industry versus inferiority; reflecting on life and its meaning comes with integrity versus despair in older adulthood.