For adolescents aged 13-21 years, which Erikson stage applies?

The correct response is tied to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development. For adolescents aged 13-21 years, the relevant stage is "Identity vs. Role Confusion." This stage is crucial as it involves the transition from childhood to adulthood, where individuals explore their personal identity, values, and beliefs. During this time, adolescents are actively questioning who they are and what direction they want to take in life, which plays a foundational role in their self-concept and future relationships.

This exploration often leads to the development of a strong sense of self, or, conversely, can result in confusion about one’s identity if not navigated successfully. Thus, this stage emphasizes the challenge adolescents face in determining where they fit into society and how they perceive themselves, making "Identity vs. Role Confusion" the most applicable stage for this age group.

In contrast, the other stages you might consider tackle different life challenges. Intimacy vs. Isolation pertains to young adults, Ego Integrity vs. Despair addresses late adulthood, and Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is relevant to early childhood. Each of these stages occurs at different points in life and focuses on differing psychosocial conflicts, which helps clarify why the identity stage is the most