According to Erik Erikson, which psychosocial stage is relevant for adolescents?

The psychosocial stage relevant for adolescents, as outlined by Erik Erikson, is identity vs. role confusion. This stage, typically occurring between the ages of 12 and 18, focuses on the adolescent's quest for a sense of self and personal identity. During this period, teenagers explore different roles, beliefs, and ideas, which is essential for developing a strong sense of who they are.

As adolescents navigate various social environments, peer relationships become increasingly significant, impacting their self-perception and identity formation. Successfully managing this stage leads to a strong sense of commitment to one's identity, while failure can result in confusion about one’s role and place in society. This struggle for identity is a critical development task that influences how adolescents will approach intimacy and relationships later in life, setting the foundation for identity formation as they transition into adulthood.

The other stages mentioned, while crucial in earlier development (such as trust vs. mistrust in infancy, autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood, and intimacy vs. isolation in young adulthood), do not specifically address the core developmental challenges faced during the adolescent years. Hence, identity vs. role confusion is the stage that best captures the psychosocial experiences of adolescents.