Identity versus confusion is the fifth stage of ego in psychologist Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during adolescence between the ages of approximately 12 and 18. During this stage, adolescents explore their independence and develop a sense of self. According to Erikson, people progress through a series of stages as they grow and change throughout life. During each stage, people face a developmental conflict that must be resolved to successfully develop the primary virtue of that stage. He was interested in how social interaction and relationships affect development and growth.
As they transition from childhood to adulthood, teens may begin to feel confused or insecure about themselves and how they fit into society. As they seek to establish a sense of self, teens may experiment with different roles, activities, and behaviors. According to Erikson, this is important to the process of forming a strong identity and developing a sense of direction in life. One of the main elements of Erikson's psychosocial stage theory is the development of ego identity. It is the conscious sense of self that we develop through social interaction, which is constantly changing due to new experiences and information we acquire in our daily interactions with others. Erikson defines identity as a “fundamental organizing principal which develops constantly throughout the lifespan.” Identity involves the experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and memories that make up a person's subjective sense of self. This helps create a continuous self-image that remains fairly constant even as new aspects of the self are developed or strengthened over time. Identity provides the following:
During the identity vs. confusion stage, the conflict is centered on developing a personal identity. Successfully completing this stage leads to a strong sense of self that will remain throughout life. Kids who are not allowed to explore and test out different identities might be left with what Erikson referred to as role confusion, which can result in the following:
There are numerous benefits behind shaping and forming an identity.
There are various factors that contribute to whether a person forms a strong identity. Friends, family, schoolmates, other social groups, societal trends, and pop culture all play a role in shaping and forming identity.
Different identities can also intersect to shape a person’s overall sense of self. Role confusion can have lasting consequences on a person's life, including:
No matter where you are in your life, there are things you can do to help build a stronger sense of identity. For example, thinking about what your values are helps solidify your identity. Core values are those things that are really important and meaningful to you and that motivate you and guide your decisions.
It's important to spend time alone to get to know yourself better. Those quiet moments can help you focus on your priorities and improve your sense of self. Relatedly, learn to practice self-compassion, which can help you better understand and accept your flaws and limitations.
Become skilled at things you enjoy. Taking time to find and practice hobbies can help you get greater acquainted with yourself. If you're feeling confused about who you are and your role in life, there are steps you can take to decrease role confusion.
If you or someone you love is struggling with identity issues that are creating distress or affecting your ability to cope with life, talk to a mental health professional.
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