Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The developmental challenge that arises between the ages of 12 and 18 is focused on the concept of "Ego identity vs. role confusion." This stage is critical as it involves adolescents exploring their personal identity and attempting to understand their place in society. During this period, individuals are confronted with questions about who they are, their beliefs, values, and how they fit into the world around them.

Erikson emphasizes that successfully navigating this stage leads to a strong sense of self and the ability to make personal decisions that align with one's values and beliefs. In contrast, failure to establish a clear sense of identity may result in role confusion, where the individual struggles to define themselves and their purpose, which can lead to challenges in forming relationships and pursuing future goals.

The other developmental challenges mentioned occur at different life stages. "Intimacy vs. isolation" pertains to young adulthood, "Trust vs. mistrust" is critical in infancy, and "Generativity vs. stagnation" occurs during middle adulthood. Each of these stages addresses different emotional and social development challenges at specific ages, but the focus on identity during adolescence is uniquely captured in the "Ego identity vs. role confusion" stage.