Which developmental theory highlights the process of developing a sense of identity during adolescence?

The theory that emphasizes the development of a sense of identity during adolescence is Erikson's psychosocial development theory. Erik Erikson proposed that individuals progress through eight stages of psychosocial development throughout their lives, each with its own crisis that needs resolution.

During the stage of adolescence, which Erikson identified as "Identity vs. Role Confusion," teenagers grapple with questions of self-identity and personal values. It is a crucial point in their development where they explore different roles, beliefs, and ideas to form a cohesive and stable sense of self. Successfully navigating this stage leads to a strong sense of identity, whereas a failure to do so may result in confusion about one's role in society.

This focus on identity formation during adolescence sets Erikson's theory apart from others. For instance, Freud's psychosexual development theory centers primarily on the influence of instinctual drives at different stages of childhood and does not specifically address identity in adolescence. Piaget's cognitive development theory focuses on the evolution of cognitive abilities and ways of thinking rather than psychosocial aspects like identity. Similarly, Kohlberg's moral development theory deals with how individuals develop morality and ethical reasoning, not identity formation per se. Thus, Erikson's psychosocial development theory uniquely captures the essence of developing a