Erickson's stage of adolescence (12-19 years) that tries to figure out how they are unique is:

IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Applied Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

This is the fifth stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory, occurring during adolescence (ages 12-19).
The central conflict is the adolescent's struggle to answer the question, "Who am I?".
During this stage, individuals explore their independence, values, and future goals to form a cohesive and stable personal identity.
Successful resolution of this crisis leads to the virtue of fidelity, which involves being true to oneself and one's values.
Failure to form a distinct identity results in role confusion, insecurity, and a weak sense of self.

Option A: This stage, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, occurs during toddlerhood (ages 1-3), not adolescence.
Option B: This stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, is the very first stage of development, occurring in infancy (birth to 1 year).
Option D: This stage, Intimacy vs. Isolation, occurs in young adulthood (ages 20-40), after the identity crisis of adolescence has been resolved.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding this stage helps nurses provide age-appropriate care for adolescents, recognizing that their preoccupation with identity, peer groups, and independence is a normal developmental process.
Nurses can support hospitalized adolescents by involving them in care decisions, respecting their need for privacy, and facilitating contact with peers to mitigate feelings of isolation and support identity formation.
What if? If a 16-year-old patient with diabetes is non-compliant with their diet and insulin regimen, the nurse should consider this behavior in the context of identity vs. role confusion. The adolescent may be trying to fit in with peers and reject an identity defined by illness. The best approach is counseling that helps them integrate their health needs into their desired self-image, rather than simply enforcing rules.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements in the question stem: 'Erickson's stage,' the specific age group 'adolescence (12-19 years),' and the core task 'figure out how they are unique.'
Recognize this as a factual recall question based on a foundational psychological theory.
Mentally review or visualize Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development.
Match the given age group (adolescence) to its corresponding psychosocial crisis.
Evaluate the options. 'Identity vs. Role confusion' directly relates to the adolescent task of forming a unique sense of self.
Confirm the answer by eliminating the other options based on their associated age groups: Trust vs. Mistrust (infancy), Autonomy vs. Shame (toddlerhood), and Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adulthood).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 1053-1055

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 164-166

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3374-3376