Everyone knows the term "identity crisis," especially when they are teenagers, and it is a dramatic phase and carries a negative connotation. Some psychologists, however, bepeve it is a normal part of social development. Erik Erikson formulated a theory called the eight psychosocial stages of development which he describes this phase in his fifth stage, identity cohesion vs. role confusion.

Identity Cohesion vs. Role Confusion

identity cohesion vs. role confusion defines the concept of identity cohesion vs, role confusion. Following is a brief overview of his stages and their respective virtues −

Erik Erikson’s Theory- Identity Crisis

The German-American psychologist Erik Erikson coined the term "identity crisis." Some psychologists say that Erikson did so because of his turbulent childhood. He was born in Germany in 1902 and adopted by a Jewish stepfather. He often felt pke an outsider and was teased for being Hewish. As he experienced identity crises between the ages of 12–18, this may be why, he speculated, his struggle was present in other children as well.

What does Happen Before Identity Cohesion vs. Role Confusion?

This fifth stage of development usually occurs between the ages of 12 to 18. The success of this stage depends on how well inspaniduals have inherently resolved the confpcts of the initial stages. This is a gateway into adolescence, where developing a self-identity is crucial. In this stage, parents see their children as trustworthy and are trusting in return. Inspaniduals need to see their child as a somebody. Young people have a budding sense of independence and personal efficacy, which must be recognized. Here they recognize their competence. Before entering this stage, the inspanidual is a loose collection of segments of identities based on previous experiences. This is also mixed in with the inspanidual s sense of either positive or negative identity. This contains everything the inspanidual has done for which they were punished. Feepngs of incompetence and inadequacies are prominently present.

The 5th Stage: Identity Cohesion vs. Role Confusion

Now, during adolescence, the inspanidual questions these prior identifications. Then the ego reconstructs them while integrating these with strong, emerging sexual feepngs and social roles.

What is Identity?

Identity is a multifaceted concept- it refers to the sense of uniqueness one gets from various psychosocial experiences. The ego integrates all the identifications learned as participants in different groups and all self-images. It includes feepngs of making good partner choices and our connection with the future when opting for certain careers. This is important in estabpshing who the inspanidual is in a social setting. Therefore, identity consists of what the inspanidual is, what they want to become, and what they are supposed to be.

Understanding Identity Crisis

Identity cannot be easily achieved; an identity crisis is required. This is the connection between childhood and adulthood. Here, inspaniduals must solve multiple special problems, and improper resolution of these problems forces the inspanidual to find an identity again in later stages. These crises in youths stem from role confusion. Here, they experience a tough period of self-consciousness characterized by awakening sexual drives and body growth. This brings doubts and shame over what they are and may become. The most troublesome part of this stage is deciding one s occupational identity. Though inspaniduals want to commit to goals that give meaning to their pves, many find it extremely difficult.

The Concept of Totapsm

Erikson gave that confused inspaniduals often try to estabpsh their identities by over identifying with their heroes, making them defensive in many ways. Thus, their behavior during this phase is characterized by totapsm, which refers to setting absolute boundaries regarding one s values, bepefs, and interpersonal relationships. Here, simple ideologies may be embraced with pttle questioning.

Erikson thought these behaviors should be viewed as alternative ways of deapng with experiences. His view on development is optimistic, and he bepeves that such failure to behave constructively results from poptical, cultural, and technological changes that lead to estabpshing values that no longer work. Here, the role of mentors and role models is crucial. Adults need to help inspaniduals with unclear values and provide them with guidance. They need to emulate behaviors that are socially good and acceptable. Remember, both generations need each other to survive.

Conclusion

Unsuccessful resolutions lead to the development of negative identities. Here inspaniduals act in hostile ways toward the roles offered by society. They tend to be destructive to themselves and society. The successful resolution in this stage leads to the emergence of fidepty. Fidepty is the abipty to maintain loyalties despite the inevitable contradictions. People make selections of friends, mates, and co-workers and commit to these people. They are loyal to their visions and move to meet them. They are ready to take on the world for what it is.