According to Erikson, what is the primary psychosocial task of adolescence?

The primary psychosocial task of adolescence, according to Erik Erikson, is establishing an identity. During this developmental stage, individuals explore various roles, beliefs, and values in their quest to understand who they are. This process is crucial because adolescence is a time of significant change and self-discovery.

Erikson argued that successfully navigating this stage leads to a strong sense of self, while failure can result in confusion about one’s place in society and uncertainty about one’s future. The exploration of identity encompasses various aspects, such as personal beliefs, career goals, and social roles, which are all integral to developing a coherent self-concept.

While establishing independence, developing academic skills, and forming intimate relationships are also important developmental goals during adolescence, they are often influenced by the foundational question of identity. A solid sense of identity provides the necessary framework for pursuing independence, achieving academic success, and forming healthy relationships.