Final answer:
In Erikson's psychosocial developmental stages, an individual is focused on searching for personal identity during the Identity versus Role Confusion stage, which occurs in adolescence.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erik Erikson, during the psychosocial stage of development known as Identity versus Role Confusion, an individual is focused on searching for personal identity. This stage typically occurs in adolescence, between the ages of 12 and 18, where teens ask critical questions about their personal identity, such as "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" They may experiment with different roles and ideologies to find what fits them best.
Adolescents who navigate this stage successfully develop a strong sense of identity and are able to stay true to their values despite challenges. Those who do not actively engage in this search or who feel pressure to conform to others' expectations may experience role confusion and have a weaker sense of self.
Overall, Erikson's theory emphasizes that each stage of psychosocial development is marked by a specific conflict that must be resolved in order for an individual to develop a healthy personality and a sense of competence.