Which statement describes a characteristic of adolescence according to Erikson's theory?

Which statement describes a characteristic of adolescence according to Erikson's theory?

• A. The adolescent develops autonomy by making choices.
• B. The adolescent is preoccupied with appearance and body image.
• C. The adolescent concentrates on work and play.
• D. The adolescent acquires a sense of conscience.

Answer: (B)

In Erikson’s model, adolescence centers on the task of forming a coherent identity while navigating role confusion. Teens explore who they are, what they value, and how they fit into the world. A pronounced focus on appearance and body image fits this process, because shaping a sense of self during puberty involves evaluating how one looks, how others perceive them, and how they present themselves. This self-scrutiny and search for a stable identity often makes body image a prominent concern in adolescence. The other ideas reflect different developmental periods. Gaining autonomy through making choices is more typical of early childhood as they gain independence from caregivers. Concentrating on work and play aligns with the school-age years’ emphasis on industry and competence. Acquiring a sense of conscience relates more to moral development and norms rather than the central identity task of adolescence. So the emphasis on appearance and body image best captures what Erikson described about this stage.

In Erikson’s model, adolescence centers on the task of forming a coherent identity while navigating role confusion. Teens explore who they are, what they value, and how they fit into the world. A pronounced focus on appearance and body image fits this process, because shaping a sense of self during puberty involves evaluating how one looks, how others perceive them, and how they present themselves. This self-scrutiny and search for a stable identity often makes body image a prominent concern in adolescence.

The other ideas reflect different developmental periods. Gaining autonomy through making choices is more typical of early childhood as they gain independence from caregivers. Concentrating on work and play aligns with the school-age years’ emphasis on industry and competence. Acquiring a sense of conscience relates more to moral development and norms rather than the central identity task of adolescence. So the emphasis on appearance and body image best captures what Erikson described about this stage.