Final answer:
Teenagers face the challenge of developing a sense of self during Erikson's identity versus role confusion stage, which is crucial for forming a strong identity and for future stages of psychosocial development.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erik Erikson, one major conflict that teenagers deal with during the identity versus role confusion stage of psychosocial development is the task of developing a sense of self.
This stage typically occurs in adolescence, from ages 12-18, where teenagers ask themselves "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" They explore various roles and ideas to form their own identity, distinct from their parents and peers.
If teenagers do not actively seek to establish their identity, or if they conform solely to their parents' expectations, they may end up with a weak sense of self and experience role confusion.
This can lead to uncertainty about their future and their place in society. Achieving a strong sense of identity is crucial for the development of personal beliefs and values resistant to external challenges.
It is important to note that Erikson believed in the necessity of a well-formed identity before entering the next stage of development, which focuses on intimacy versus isolation.
Thus, adolescence is a critical period for forging one's identity to build the foundation for future stages of development, like forming intimate relationships in early adulthood or reflecting on life achievements in late adulthood.