Which psychosocial stage comes after Industry vs. Inferiority, focusing on developing a stable identity?

Which psychosocial stage comes after Industry vs. Inferiority, focusing on developing a stable identity?

• A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
• B. Industry vs. Inferiority
• C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
• D. Generativity vs. Stagnation

Answer: (A)

Developing a stable sense of self occurs during adolescence, when the focus is on forming a coherent identity. This stage—identity versus role confusion—asks whether a young person can integrate beliefs, values, and goals into a consistent sense of who they are. It follows the industry versus inferiority stage, which centers on competence in the school-age years. If identity is formed well, the result is a clear sense of self and direction; if not, there’s role confusion and uncertainty about future paths. The remaining stages happen later, dealing with intimate relationships, guiding others, and reflecting on one’s life, so they don’t address identity formation.

Developing a stable sense of self occurs during adolescence, when the focus is on forming a coherent identity. This stage—identity versus role confusion—asks whether a young person can integrate beliefs, values, and goals into a consistent sense of who they are. It follows the industry versus inferiority stage, which centers on competence in the school-age years. If identity is formed well, the result is a clear sense of self and direction; if not, there’s role confusion and uncertainty about future paths. The remaining stages happen later, dealing with intimate relationships, guiding others, and reflecting on one’s life, so they don’t address identity formation.