Final answer:
Erikson identified identity confusion during adolescence, a stage where individuals develop personal identity. Successful resolution leads to a strong sense of self, while failure may result in continued struggles and potential despair in late adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erik Erikson noted the phenomenon of identity confusion during the adolescence stage of his developmental stages of life. Identity versus role confusion is the core challenge faced by adolescents as they attempt to find their place in the world and establish a sense of personal identity. Questions such as "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" dominate this stage. Successful navigation through this phase results in a strong sense of self, while failure can lead to role confusion and a weak sense of identity. This stage is critical as those who fail to establish a clear identity might struggle with subsequent developmental challenges, like forming intimate relationships in early adulthood.
In late adulthood, Erikson's challenge shifts to integrity versus despair. Here, individuals reflect on their lives, feeling either accomplished or regretful. Those who fail to overcome the earlier challenges might experience bitterness and depression as they look back on their life's course. As a tutor, it's important to emphasize that Erikson's lifespan theory continues to offer insights into the importance of each developmental stage and how each challenge builds upon the last.