Identity vs. Role Confusion : Erikson's Theory of Adolescent Development

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the fifth stage is identity vs role confusion. These issues happen during the advent of adolescence, usually between the ages of 12 and 18. Such a shift from childhood to maturity brings about alterations in both the body and the mind.

Teenagers, who are neither children nor adults, must deal with a variety of social expectations and new duties, which can be very demanding. They must now figure out who they really are and where they fit in the world. People must develop their identities, including their values, beliefs, and goals, throughout this formative time. They may experiment with various versions of themselves and different social positions to comprehend who they are and what they want out of life in order to achieve this.

In this circumstance, people begin to grow a self-catered sense. It helps them build the tenacity and resilience needed to pursue their goals.

So, what if no identity of yours is built during this adolescence period? Unfortunately, your life will be filled with uncertainties and confusion. You will not be able to find out your place in this big world.

If you want to learn more about it, continue reading this post.

What is Identity & Role Confusion?

Teenagers may start to feel confused about themselves, and also, a feeling of uncertainty will poke them badly when their lives are in a transition phase. They will surely don’t understand what they will do to fit in this society. As teenagers are in a position where they are continuously trying to build a sense of self-awareness, they can experiment a little with different activities, behaviours, and various roles. According to Erikson, if teenagers want to build a strong identity and have a purpose to live their lives, then experimenting is highly important.

Erikson's psychosocial stage theory also gives an idea of ego identity formation. With every social contact we experience, this conscious self-awareness starts to grow in our mind cores. But you will be surprised to know that this self-awareness is not constant. It is continuously evolving. Whenever we meet people and get new ideas and experiences, our self-awareness system changes a bit.

Identity

Let’s go through what Erikson has said about Identity first –

It is a "fundamental organising principle that develops continuously over the course of a lifetime."

Our experiences, connections, beliefs, values, and memories get together and develop our identity. With your identity, you can easily build a consistent self-image.

Let’s understand what identity can offer us. So here are they. Let’s have a look –

Originality

Identity makes people believe in themselves. So, changing or mimicking others’ behaviours is not needed when you interact with other people. Identity makes you strong. So, you can remain the same both inside and outside.

Uniqueness

Identity creates a distinctive behavioural system for different persons so that one can remind you through your unique behaviours.

Development of Psychosocial Areas

Identity helps to take care of the adolescents' mental and physical well-being. It boosts your confidence level.

Role Confusion

The term 'Role confusion' can be called the brainchild of Erikson. Role confusion can do a lot to teenagers who are unable to explore different identities and can't experiment with their circumstances. The following phrases will give you a clear idea of it –

Teenagers will not have enough confidence to understand who they are or where their places are in this big world.
Their lives are full of difficult situations and uncertainties. So, they will not find consistency in anything. As a result, they will Switch between different jobs or relationships.
Teenagers will always feel low and demean their own selves.

Top Examples of Identity vs Role Confusion

Here are a few examples of the idea of identity and role confusion. Go through all of them to understand the meaning of these things effortlessly –

The identification of a job path by a young person that fits with their beliefs and passions results in the growth of their inner fortitude and sense of direction. Such a person probably has a strong sense of who they are.
The ability to embrace one's identity and accept oneself for who one is, in spite of external demands or expectations from others, is something that adolescents learn to achieve. A profound feeling of independenceand self-worth may result from it.
Teenagers discover their actual selves as they get older by experimenting with different lifestyles and role models. Teenagers are able to identify their true selves through experimentation with various looks.
Young adults examine their views and ideals, then hone them in light of their experiences and forge a solid sense of self. Such a person is probably strong-willed and focused.
Teenagers find solace in their friends and feel important because of them. Personality development is facilitated by this support and the resulting assurance. Teenagers can also learn how to handle interpersonal problems both inside and outside of the group, as well as how to arbitrate them.
A young person assumes a leadership position in their community, giving them a feeling of identity and purpose. They can develop accountability and dependability by accepting responsibility.
Identity confusiondevelops when an adolescent tries to fit in with their classmates by changing who they are and according to those expectations.
Teenagers who frequently compare themselves to others may develop feelings of jealousy and low self-worth. It may be difficult for teenagers to recall who they are when they become fixated on the differences between themselves and their peers.
Young adults lack identity formation because they are unable to reconcile the tensions between their many responsibilities and ideals.

What are the Benefits of Identity?

When you have the scope to develop and shape an identity, you will get a lot of advantages. Here are they. Let’s have a look –

§ Commitment

Through new and powerful commitments, you will be able to resolve any kind of crisis. Changing your job track according to your own belief, being cautious about joining a social circle, and developing your own style, etc., are all examples of this.

§ Self-Reliance

If you have self-confidence or faith in your unique skills and judgements, it will be easier for you to feel an intense sense of identity.

§ Freedom

If you can experience proper support and reinforcement while discovering yourself, no matter what, you will start to believe in yourself. A true sense of independence and a sense of power will capture your mind. Those who are still unaware of their values and desires will continue to feel unsettled and uncertain of who they are.

§ Devotion

Devotion is a psychological characteristic. Being successful can easily bring devotion to your mind. Your capacity to connect with others and establish sincere bonds with them can be an example of it.

What are the Stages of Identity Development?

Psychotherapist James Marcia identified four identity states, which were partially influenced by Erikson's theory. These states symbolise various junctures in the evolution of identity. According to Marcia's thesis, a person's identity develops as a consequence of considering various identity options before committing to a particular set of principles. The four statuses are as follows –

Ü Diffusion of Identities (Role Confusion)

A person has not yet investigated or committed to their identity.

Ü Identity Foreclosure

It is the act of committing to one identity without considering alternative possibilities. This is frequently the consequence of peer pressure, cultural norms, conformity, or parental pressure.

Ü Identity Moratorium

An individual experiment with new things and looks for alternatives during an identity moratorium.

Ü Identity Achievement

At this stage, one has considered all available possibilities and decided on a particular identity. Adolescence is not the only stage of this. In the end, developing self-awareness and a solid sense of self can be a protracted process.

What are the Negative Outcomes of Identity Crisis?

When trying to discover the purpose and significance of life, knowing who you are may be very useful knowledge.

Teens who don't feel like themselves may feel lonely or confused about their roles, which may lead them to engage in dangerous behaviour.

It may be challenging for those lacking a clear sense of identity to build lasting, meaningful connections. Such an absence of close relationships can be extremely difficult for people and their entire life journey.

Additionally, without adequate self-reflection and introspection, people may experience an identity crisis later in life without any sense of direction or comprehension of their beliefs and goals.

Finally, without a solid sense of self, it can be challenging for people to choose job options that are in line with their convictions and desires. Role ambiguity, frustration, and disillusionment may result from it.

What Can Role Confusion Bring?

The effects of role confusion are unfortunate. A person may have to go through a lot of negative psychological issues for it, including –

Commitment issues

When you don’t know who you are or what your place is in this world, you will never find your self-esteem. And when you don’t have any self-esteem, you can’t commit anything to anyone as you will get too disturbed with your future.

Poorer mental health and well-being

Not having self-consciousness can damage your whole belief system. You will always experience low energy, both mentally and physically.

Lack of self-awareness

It is very much challenging for people who are suffering from an identity crisis because it not only damages their social activities but also makes them mentally weak to do anything productive.

Lack of self-confidence

When your mind is experiencing role confusion, you can't expect success. According to a study, it often causes a lack of self-confidence.

Final Thoughts,

People who have a strong sense of who they are typically have better self-esteem and self-confidence. They consequently have a lower likelihood of experiencing anxiety or depression and are more willing to follow their objectives and take risks.

Additionally, kids who are confident in their own identities find it easier to build relationships with others because it gives them the courage to express themselves.