What does Erikson define as role confusion?

Role confusion, as defined by Erik Erikson, refers to a situation where an individual lacks a distinct sense of self and struggles to identify a future adult path. This occurs primarily during the adolescent stage of development, where individuals are exploring their identities and the various roles they might assume in society.

In this context, scenario B aligns perfectly with Erikson’s theory, reflecting the challenges adolescents face as they attempt to reconcile their personal values, beliefs, and aspirations with societal expectations. When individuals experience role confusion, they may feel uncertain about their identity and the directions they can take in life, leading to feelings of confusion and insecurity about their future.

The other options do not capture the essence of role confusion. A successful identity formation represents a resolution of that confusion, while a strong sense of self indicates clarity rather than confusion. A complete understanding of societal roles implies a mastery of identity, which contrasts with the idea of role confusion. Therefore, the core of Erikson’s concept revolves around the absence of direction and clarity regarding one’s future, making option B the most accurate representation of role confusion in Erikson's framework.