Which statement best contrasts Erikson's adolescence stage with Marcia's identity theory?

• A. Erikson emphasizes a psychosocial crisis across the lifespan; Marcia emphasizes a set of identity statuses.
• B. Erikson emphasizes identity statuses; Marcia emphasizes a single adolescent crisis.
• C. Erikson emphasizes cognitive development; Marcia emphasizes moral development.
• D. Erikson emphasizes physical growth; Marcia emphasizes social roles.

Answer: (A)

Erikson treats adolescence as a psychosocial crisis within a lifelong sequence of development, focusing on resolving identity vs role confusion as part of a broader pattern that shapes personality over time. Marcia builds on that idea but structures identity around distinct states—diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement—based on levels of exploration and commitment. So the best contrast is that Erikson emphasizes a psychosocial crisis across the lifespan, while Marcia emphasizes a set of identity statuses. The other descriptions misstate what each theorist emphasizes, mixing up stages, types of development, or scope.