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Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of PsychosocialDevelopment
Stage 5: Adolescence Age: Adolescence --12 to 18 years Conflict: Identity vs. Role Confusion Important Event: Peer relationships
Description: At this stage, adolescents are in search of an identity that will lead themto adulthood. Adolescents make a strong effort to answer the question "Whoam I?" Erikson notes the healthy resolution of earlier conflicts can nowserve as a foundation for the search for an identity. If the child overcomesearlier conflicts they are prepared to search for identity. Did they develop thebasic sense of trust? Do they have a strong sense of industry to believe inthemselves?
Elements for a positive outcome: The adolescent must make a conscious search for identity. This is built onthe outcome and resolution to conflict in earlier stages.
Elements for a negative outcome: If the adolescent can not make deliberate decisions and choices, especiallyabout vocation, sexual orientation, and life in general, role confusion becomesa threat.
Examples: Adolescents attempt to establish their own identities and see themselves asseparate from their parents. Erikson's Stage 6
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Erikson's Stage 5
Summary Chart*Introduction to Stages*Biography*Critiques& Controversies*References & OtherLinks
Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of PsychosocialDevelopment
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