What Are Some Examples of “identity Vs. Role” Confusion?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 29, 2020

Adolescents in the midst of the identity versus role confusion stage may experiment with various clothing or hair styles, religion, gender identity, values, or other identifying characteristics. They may appear — particularly to their parents — to be completely different people weekly or even daily.

Those who successfully complete Erikson’s identity versus role confusion stage have had the opportunity to experiment with different identities and roles and to develop a sense of who they are. However, someone with role confusion who doesn’t successfully complete this stage may be unsure of their identity and beliefs. As a result, those who remain role-confused have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.