Stage Ego Identity Vs Role Confusion

The developmental stage I have chosen to do this research paper on is Erik Erikson’s fifth stage, ego identity versus role confusion. Throughout this stage the teenager forms a sense of identity in politics, religion, sexroles, and occupation. Successfully going through this stage involves emerging with a strong sense of goals, values, and beliefs. (Licht 354) By not going through this stage successfully, the teenager may continue to experience role confusion, and may also lack an understanding of their identity, similarly, this is the stage were teenagers began to care how they look. (Licht 354) A crisis that could occur during this stage is the uncertainty of age-appropriate activities. This could be caused by a parent’s expectations or expectations

Coincidentally, just this year I have obtained a firm grasp as to what I feel my beliefs and values are. I came to the realization of these values and beliefs when we had to write a personal mission statement in my Health Explorations class at Eau Gallie High School. It truly took me almost two weeks to write my mission statement, partially because I was not sure who I was. My mission statement was, “Thru my positive attitude, and values I will continuously strive to enrich the lives of those around me who struggle with life’s obstacles and challenges.” I value living life through positivity and having a positive attitude. No matter how tough life gets I strive to be persistent, to push through, and help others get through hard times. I believe my identity is to be strong and persistent. As I am still going through this stage, I believe I will only get a better understanding of

(Davis 1) Coincidentally, while going through this stage I often cared about how I looked when I went out or to school. I frequently found myself caring more about what others thought of me than what I thought of myself. When I would get ready for school, I would always do something to my hair whether it was straightening or braiding it or doing my makeup. However, this was at the beginning of the stage and once I figured out and became more comfortable with who I was, I did not depend on make up or how my hair looked. By going through this stage, I have learned that I should not change for anyone and to be true to myself. Also, in this stage, the child begins looking more into the future, trying to figure out what college to go to and what kind of career to have as well as paying more attention to the types of relationships to strive for in the future or where they want to live. If the child has a hard time deciding their identity and they are forced to come up with one, it could cause even more role confusion or cause them to rebel. Often the adolescent will experiment with new lifestyles, like trying out a new job, new political view, or think about different types of education. While going through this stage, I have thought about career choices, job choices, and what kind of relationships I want in the future. In conclusion, Erik Erikson’s eighth stage, ego identity versus role confusion, is an important stage