According to Erikson, what is the primary task of adolescence?

• A. Intimacy vs Isolation
• B. Identity
• C. Generativity
• D. Industry

Answer: (B)

In Erikson’s framework, adolescence centers on forming a stable sense of self. This means exploring questions like “Who am I?”, what I believe, and what path I want to take, then committing to a coherent identity. When this exploration leads to a clear sense of self, the individual develops fidelity—a stable, defined self that can guide choices across situations.

The other stages refer to later tasks: intimacy versus isolation appears in young adulthood, focusing on close relationships; industry (competence) is the school-age crisis of mastering skills; generativity arises in middle adulthood, about contributing to the next generation. So the primary task of adolescence is developing identity.