Correct Answer - Option 1 : Identity crisis
Erik Erikson, a developmental psychologist has proposed the 'Theory of Psychosocial Development', in which he has covered human personality development in a series of eight stages that take place from infancy to late adulthood.
Erikson has coined the term 'Identity Crisis' which is related to the stage of Adolescence.
- At this stage, children explore their independence and develop a sense of self.
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Feel insecure and confused about themselves and the future. If an adolescent resolves this crisis, then a sense of fidelity would develop.
- If they are unable to resolve they develop an identity crisis.
Hence, it could be concluded that according to Erikson, in complex societies teenagers experience the state of 'Identity Crisis'.
Refer to the table to be familiar with all the stages of Erik Erikson's theory.
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Stage
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Psychosocial Crisis
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Basic Virtue
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Age
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Characteristics
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1.
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Trust vs. Mistrust
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Hope
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Infancy (0 to 1½)
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If needs are dependably met, infants develop a sense of basic trust.
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2.
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Autonomy vs. Shame
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Will
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Early Childhood (1½ to 3)
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Toddlers learn to exercise will and do things for themselves, or they doubt their abilities.
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3.
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Initiative vs. Guilt
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Purpose
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Play Age (3 to 5)
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Preschoolers learn to initiate tasks or they feel guilty about efforts to be independent.
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4.
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Industry vs. Inferiority
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Competency
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School Age (5 to 12)
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Children learn the pleasure of applying themselves to tasks, or they feel inferior.
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5.
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Ego identity vs. Role Confusion
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Fidelity
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Adolescence (12 to 18)
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Teenagers work at refining a sense of self by testing roles, or they become confused about their identity.
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6.
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Intimacy vs. Isolation
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Love
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Young Adult (18 to 40)
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Young adults struggle to form close relationships, or they feel socially isolated.
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7.
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Generative vs. Stagnation
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Care
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Adulthood (40 to 65)
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The middle-aged discover a sense of contribution to the world, or they may feel a lack of purpose.
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8.
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Ego integrity vs. Despair
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Wisdom
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Maturity (65)
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When reflecting on his/her life, the older adult may feel a sense of satisfaction or failure.
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