Which theorist is associated with the identity vs. role confusion stage in adolescence?

• A. Sigmund Freud
• B. Erik Erikson
• C. Jean Piaget
• D. Carl Rogers

Answer: (B)

In adolescence, the central challenge is forming a stable sense of self. Erik Erikson identified this as the identity vs. role confusion stage. During this period, teens explore who they are, what they believe, and what paths they might take in life—career, values, relationships—so they can develop a coherent, integrated sense of identity. When this exploration leads to a clear sense of self and commitments, they gain fidelity—a confident and loyal sense of who they are. If the exploration is unresolved, role confusion can arise, marked by uncertainty about values, goals, and how they fit into the world, which can make forming lasting relationships and future plans difficult.

The other theorists don’t specifically frame adolescence around this particular psychosocial crisis. Freud’s framework centers on psychosexual stages, Piaget on cognitive development, and Rogers on self-concept and growth, without naming identity vs. role confusion as a distinct adolescent crisis.