Final answer:
Patrick is experiencing the identity vs. role confusion stage of Erik Erikson's psychosocial development, a time where teens like him explore different identities to establish their sense of self.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patrick, who is 15 years old and a freshman in high school, is navigating through a stage of development known as identity versus role confusion. This psychosocial crisis is characterized by adolescents trying on different personas and exploring various interests in their quest to answer the question, "Who am I?" This stage is articulated in Erik Erikson's framework of psychosocial development.
As adolescents like Patrick endeavor to establish their sense of self, they may experiment with changing their clothing style and tastes, seeking a place where they feel they belong. Those who successfully navigate this stage emerge with a strong, cohesive identity, whereas others may experience confusion about their future and their role in society. Patrick's parents' support is critical during this time as they provide him with the stability and encouragement needed to explore his identity confidently.
In summary, based on Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, Patrick is working through the challenge of identity vs. role confusion, which is typical for adolescents in their teenage years.