What is the key ability developed during the identity vs role confusion crisis?

During the identity vs. role confusion crisis, which occurs typically during adolescence according to Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, the key ability that is developed is the formation of a stable identity. This stage is crucial as individuals explore different roles, beliefs, and values in order to establish a sense of self. Successfully navigating this crisis allows individuals to form a coherent identity, which is essential for their overall development and functioning in society.

During this period, adolescents experiment with various aspects of themselves, including their interests, values, and social roles. A stable identity leads to increased self-confidence and a clearer understanding of personal goals and aspirations. This process of identity formation is vital for psychological well-being and is foundational for future relationships and life choices.

The other options, while important in different contexts, do not specifically capture the essence of this developmental stage. For example, learning new tasks is more related to skill acquisition, and forming relationships with others pertains to social development rather than identity formation. Similarly, putting energy into others can relate to later stages of development where social connections and contributions to relationships become more significant. Thus, the formation of a stable identity during this crisis is the most accurate key ability developed in this phase.