In Erikson's theory, how does an adolescent typically develop a sense of identity?

In Erikson's theory, how does an adolescent typically develop a sense of identity?

• A. Mastering moral reasoning in school.
• B. Participating in decision-making.
• C. Achieving independence through toileting.
• D. Forming a trust relationship with caregivers.

Answer: (B)

In Erikson's theory, adolescence centers on identity vs role confusion, where the main task is developing a coherent sense of self. This happens as teens explore different roles, beliefs, and goals and learn to make independent decisions about them. Participating in decision-making gives adolescents concrete opportunities to test values, commitments, and directions for the future, and the feedback they receive from these choices helps them form a stable sense of who they are. Other options reflect earlier stages or different theories. Mastering moral reasoning in school aligns more with moral development theories than with identity formation in adolescence. Achieving independence through toileting is a toddler milestone (autonomy vs. shame and doubt), and forming a trust relationship with caregivers is foundational infancy (trust vs. mistrust).

In Erikson's theory, adolescence centers on identity vs role confusion, where the main task is developing a coherent sense of self. This happens as teens explore different roles, beliefs, and goals and learn to make independent decisions about them. Participating in decision-making gives adolescents concrete opportunities to test values, commitments, and directions for the future, and the feedback they receive from these choices helps them form a stable sense of who they are.

Other options reflect earlier stages or different theories. Mastering moral reasoning in school aligns more with moral development theories than with identity formation in adolescence. Achieving independence through toileting is a toddler milestone (autonomy vs. shame and doubt), and forming a trust relationship with caregivers is foundational infancy (trust vs. mistrust).