Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Role confusion refers to a stage in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, during which adolescents experience an identity crisis and struggle to establish a clear sense of self and their place in society.
A term coined by Erikson, it refers to the internal conflict and confusion individuals experience when trying to define their personal identity.
Psychosocial Development: This term represents the combination of psychological (mental) and social factors that influence an individual's growth and development throughout life.