At what age range does the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage typically occur?

The Identity vs. Role Confusion stage is a pivotal phase in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, occurring approximately between the ages of 12 to 18 years. This stage is critical as adolescents begin to explore their personal identity, including values, beliefs, and goals. During this period, individuals grapple with questions about who they are and what roles they will assume in society. They experiment with different identities, which is vital for developing a coherent sense of self.

Successful navigation of this stage leads to the development of a strong identity, while failure can result in confusion about one's role in life, leading to difficulties in personality integration and future relationships. Adolescents are influenced by their peers, families, and cultural expectations, making this a complex yet crucial time for identity formation.

In contrast, the other age ranges listed correspond to different developmental stages in Erikson's theory. Birth to 18 months is associated with trust vs. mistrust, while ages 3 to 5 relate to initiative vs. guilt, and ages 6 to 11 correspond to industry vs. inferiority—each focusing on specific tasks and challenges relevant to those developmental periods.