During which stage of development does the child typically experience role confusion, according to Erikson?

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines eight stages, each characterized by a specific conflict that contributes to a person’s psychological growth. During the stage of adolescence, individuals grapple with the challenge of identity versus role confusion. This is a crucial period when teenagers explore their own identities, personal values, and social roles.

In this stage, adolescents are trying to figure out who they are, which includes experimenting with different roles, beliefs, and ideas. They may feel confused about their place in society and struggle with questions about their future and the various paths they might take. Successfully navigating this stage leads to a strong sense of personal identity, while failure to do so can result in confusion about one’s role in society and an unclear sense of self.

By contrast, early childhood focuses on the development of initiative versus guilt, where children learn to assert control and power over their surroundings. Young adulthood is characterized by intimacy versus isolation, where individuals seek meaningful relationships. Lastly, middle adulthood is centered around generativity versus stagnation, emphasizing the need to contribute to society and support future generations. These stages highlight different developmental challenges that occur at various life phases, emphasizing why role confusion is specifically associated with adolescence.