Final answer:
Adolescents with self-esteem issues often identify with superheroes as they provide aspirational models of identity, purpose, and self-reliance during the crucial developmental stage of psychosocial development where teens seek to establish their sense of self.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents with self-worth/esteem issues may identify with superheroes as they navigate the challenges of their developmental stage, which includes forming their identities and establishing independence. During adolescence, Erikson's psychosocial development theory suggests that teens are seeking to resolve the conflict of identity versus role confusion. They often ask themselves, "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" Superheroes, with their clear sense of identity, purpose, and moral compass, provide a template for qualities that teens aspire to have, such as confidence and self-reliance. They also represent a fantastical escape from reality, in which teens can imagine overcoming their struggles through the extraordinary abilities and accolades typically granted to superheroes.
This identification with superheroes may be particularly strong in adolescents who feel pressured to conform to others' expectations or who have not yet developed a strong sense of self. Superheroes exemplify the triumphant resolution of struggles and the achievement of a distinct identity, which can be comforting and inspiring for teens grappling with self-concept issues.