Final answer:
The basic conflict in adolescence (12 to 18 years) is identity versus role confusion. Adolescents must explore different identities to develop a strong sense of self. Brain development studies suggest adolescent risk-taking is linked to brain reward center activity but not impulsivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic conflict during the adolescence stage, which spans from 12 to 18 years of age, is centered around the task of identity versus role confusion. This was defined by psychologist Erik Erikson, who emphasized that adolescents confront the significant challenge of developing a sense of self. This entails asking fundamental questions like "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" During this period, most teens experiment with various roles and identities to determine which ones align with their authentic selves. Successful navigation of this stage leads to a strong sense of identity, whereas failure to engage in this self-exploration or succumbing to external pressures may result in a weak sense of self and experience role confusion.
In considering the brain development of adolescents, studies have shown that the neural reward center's activity is linked to risk-taking, but not necessarily to impulsivity or risk perception. This underlines the nuanced nature of adolescent behavior and challenges the idea that teenagers are inherently more impulsive than other age groups.