Understanding Role Confusion vs. Identity Confusion- Key Differences

Understanding Role Confusion vs. Identity Confusion- Key Differences

Identity versus role confusion in adolescence falls under Erikson’s fifth psychosocial development stage. This period is considered a major test as individuals strive to find what differentiates them from others. They try to discover their strengths, who they are, and the roles most appropriate for them (Feldman, 2018). An individual confused about which role is most suitable for them to play in their life is likely to lack a stable identity and take on an unacceptable role like being a social deviant or even have trouble keeping intimate personal relations later in their life (Feldman, 2018). As a result, they experience identity confusion. Identity commonly comprises the values, relationships, experiences, beliefs, and memories that constitute one’s subjective sense of self.

As a result, a continuous and stable self-image is created and remains constant through various changes. Identity results constitute of such aspects as self-sameness, psychosocial development and uniqueness. Identity also helps one be committed to various aspects of their life, develop a sense of independence, have self-confidence, and form genuine relations with other people (Cherry, 2021). During this stage, the conflict is normally based on forming one’s identity or sense of uniqueness. Failure to complete this stage successfully leads to identity confusion. Hire our assignment writing services in case your assignment is devastating you. Our team of experts is ready to help.

Adolescents who do not find opportunities to test out and explore different identities are likely to encounter role confusion (Cherry, 2021). An individual who cannot identify the roles that they need to follow is likely to encounter role confusion. This results in the individual being unsure of where they fit and who they are, drifting from their relationships and jobs and feeling confused and disappointed about their place in life. Role confusion is likely to cause one to have difficulties being committed in relationships, have a weak sense of self, experience worsened well-being and mental health, and lack confidence.

In general, role confusion occurs when one fails to identify their role, particularly regarding sex and occupational roles. In contrast, identity confusion occurs when one cannot tell who they are and what makes them unique. Role confusion generally results in identity confusion. During this stage, adolescents explore various possibilities and start forming their own identities based on the outcome of such explorations (McLeod, 2018). Unsuccessful establishment of a sense of identity in society is likely to cause role confusion in which the individual is unsure about themselves or their particular roles in society.

References

Cherry, K. (July 18, 2021). Identity vs. Role Confusion in Psychosocial Development. Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/identity-versus-confusion-2795735

Feldman, R.S. (2018). Essentials of Understanding Psychology, 14th Ed. McGraw Hill.

McLeod, S. (2018). Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html#identity

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Understanding Role Confusion vs. Identity Confusion- Key Differences

Discuss the difference between role confusion and identity confusion.