Final answer:
Identity is crucially formed during adolescence, following Erikson's psychosocial development stages, but is also continuously shaped by various life experiences, emphasizing the fluidity of identity throughout one's lifespan.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identity formation is indeed critical during adolescence but it also remains fluid and adaptable throughout life. Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development highlights that adolescence is marked by the stage of identity versus role confusion. Here, adolescents ask pivotal questions about their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" These questions are essential as they begin to establish a strong identity and align their values and beliefs in the face of societal pressures. However, this is not the end of identity formation.
Our identity continues to evolve based on the various psychosocial experiences we encounter throughout life. Influences such as culture, media, relationships, and individual experiences shape and reshape our sense of self. A healthy identity development process involves being authentic to oneself while adapting to new roles and expectations. Individuals who are capable of reflecting upon and consciously shaping their identity according to their own values, rather than solely conforming to external expectations, tend to have a more robust sense of self.