The term 'identity crisis' originates from the work of which developmental theorist?

The term 'identity crisis' originates from the work of which developmental theorist?

• A. Erikson
• B. Stedman
• C. Piaget
• D. Kohlberg

Answer: (A)

Identity crisis comes from the work of Erik Erikson, who developed a psychosocial theory of development. In his view, adolescence centers on the crisis of identity vs role confusion, where a person explores different selves, values, and roles to form a coherent sense of who they are. A successful resolution yields a stable identity and direction; failing to resolve it can lead to role confusion and uncertainty about the future. Erikson even popularized the term in his book Identity: Youth and Crisis, highlighting how this period involves experimenting with different identities to discover a lasting sense of self. Other theorists—Piaget, Kohlberg, and Stedman—contributed to different areas (cognitive development, moral development, etc.), but the specific phrase identity crisis is tied to Erikson’s work.

Identity crisis comes from the work of Erik Erikson, who developed a psychosocial theory of development. In his view, adolescence centers on the crisis of identity vs role confusion, where a person explores different selves, values, and roles to form a coherent sense of who they are. A successful resolution yields a stable identity and direction; failing to resolve it can lead to role confusion and uncertainty about the future. Erikson even popularized the term in his book Identity: Youth and Crisis, highlighting how this period involves experimenting with different identities to discover a lasting sense of self. Other theorists—Piaget, Kohlberg, and Stedman—contributed to different areas (cognitive development, moral development, etc.), but the specific phrase identity crisis is tied to Erikson’s work.