During the stage of Identity vs Role Confusion, what do adolescents need to develop?

During the stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion, which is a key period in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, adolescents are primarily focused on developing a sense of self and personal identity. This stage typically occurs during the teenage years when individuals are exploring different roles, beliefs, and values in order to establish who they are. A strong sense of identity is crucial as it lays the foundation for the development of future relationships and decision-making processes.

While strong friendship bonds, intimate relationships, and academic competence are also important aspects of adolescent development, they are not the central focus of this particular stage. The relationships and skills in those other areas often derive from a well-formed identity; thus, identity formation takes precedence. Achieving a coherent self-identity allows adolescents to pursue and maintain meaningful friendships and intimate relationships, as well as focus on their academic growth, but these elements are secondary to the core need for a defined sense of self during this critical developmental phase.