What is the central challenge faced by adolescents aged 12 to 18 years according to Erikson?

The central challenge faced by adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, according to Erikson, is the struggle of identity versus role confusion. During this stage, individuals are exploring their personal identity and experimenting with different roles, beliefs, and values. They seek to establish a sense of self that is distinct from their parents and peers.

This developmental stage is crucial, as successful resolution leads to a strong sense of identity, while failure to navigate this stage can result in role confusion and uncertainty about one's place in society. Adolescents may grapple with questions about who they are, what they believe in, and where they fit within various social contexts, which is fundamental in shaping their future choices and relationships.

The other developmental challenges mentioned, such as intimacy versus isolation, occur in later stages of development, while generativity versus stagnation is associated with middle adulthood and trust versus mistrust pertains to infancy. Each of these stages builds upon the previous ones, making it clear that identity formation is the predominant challenge during adolescence.