According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the primary goal of adolescence is to achieve what outcome?

Introduction / Context:
Erik Erikson proposed a theory of psychosocial development that spans the entire human life span, dividing it into stages, each with its own central conflict. Adolescence is the stage typically described as identity versus role confusion. This question asks you to identify the main goal of the adolescent stage according to this theory, which involves forming a stable sense of self while exploring different roles and values.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers explicitly to Erikson and adolescence.
• Options mention developing an independent identity and exploring who they are.
• We assume basic familiarity with the concept of identity formation and role exploration.

Concept / Approach:
In Erikson's framework, adolescence is a period when individuals must resolve the conflict between identity and role confusion. The task is to develop a coherent sense of who they are, what they believe, and how they fit into society. This process involves active exploration of different roles, interests, relationships, and values. Success leads to a stable identity and a sense of direction; failure can result in confusion about one's place in the world. Therefore, both independent identity formation and active exploration are central to this stage, not just one or the other in isolation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Erikson labels the adolescent stage as identity versus role confusion. Step 2: Understand that identity formation requires both trying out roles and committing to a set of values and goals. Step 3: Recognise that simply developing independence without exploration would not fit the model, and exploration without moving toward a coherent identity would leave confusion unresolved. Step 4: Choose the answer that includes both the exploration process and the outcome of an independent identity, which is the option combining both statements.

Verification / Alternative check:
Psychology texts describing Erikson's stages emphasise that adolescents experiment with different roles in family, peer groups, and society. They may change appearance, hobbies, or beliefs while searching for a consistent sense of self. The successful resolution of this stage is described as identity achievement, where the young person has explored options and made commitments. This confirms that exploration and identity formation are linked goals in adolescence, not separate or competing aims.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Develop an independent identity only: This describes part of the outcome but does not mention the active exploration process that Erikson considered essential.
• Explore who they are only: Exploration is important, but without moving toward a stable identity, the result can be ongoing confusion rather than resolution.
• None of the above: This is incorrect because the combined statement clearly reflects Erikson's view of the adolescent task.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may focus only on the idea of independence from parents and forget that Erikson's model stresses exploration of roles. Another mistake is to treat exploration as aimless experimentation without recognising its role in building a firm identity. Thinking of adolescence as a stage where young people both try out options and then integrate their experiences into a coherent sense of self can help connect the two parts of the correct answer.

Final Answer:
According to Erikson, the goal of adolescence is to both develop an independent identity and explore who they are, resolving the conflict between identity and role confusion.