Final answer:
Adolescents face the task of resolving identity versus role confusion, according to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, by asking existential questions like "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" This stage determines their sense of self and can result in a strong personality or lead to role confusion and a weaker self-identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
During adolescence, which roughly spans the ages of 12-18, Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that the primary task for individuals is to resolve the conflict of identity versus role confusion. Adolescents grapple with existential questions like "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" This stage is crucial for developing a strong sense of self and personal identity. When adolescents actively engage in searching for their own identity rather than conforming passively to the expectations of others, they are more likely to achieve a strong sense of who they are. Those who fail to actively explore their identity or feel pressured to conform may experience role confusion and a weak sense of self, which can lead to challenges in their later stages of development. Erikson emphasized the importance of this stage by indicating that the outcomes significantly influence one's ability to maintain personal beliefs and values in the face of life's difficulties.
During stage 4 of child development (10-12 years old), the primary existential question is focused on resolving the conflict between industry and inferiority. This stage, proposed by Erik Erikson in his psychosocial theory, involves children developing a sense of competence and mastery in various areas of their lives. They strive to achieve success in school, extracurricular activities, and social relationships, which contributes to their overall sense of self. Children who successfully navigate this stage develop a positive self-esteem and belief in their abilities, while those who struggle may develop feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.