According to commonly taught developmental theory, a major developmental task of adolescence is:

Commonly taught developmental theory (such as Erikson's) describes adolescence as the period in which a major developmental task is establishing a sense of identity ('identity versus role confusion') — exploring who one is and one's values and roles. Developing trust is the task of infancy, learning to walk occurs in early childhood, and retirement adjustment belongs to later adulthood. Understanding broad developmental tasks by life stage — at a high level — helps the nurse provide age-appropriate anticipatory guidance and teaching. Recognizing the developmental focus of adolescence is a standard growth-and-development concept. (This reflects widely taught theory; verify against current NCLEX prep materials.)