Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What is the primary developmental task that a 14-year-old adolescent is likely trying to achieve when questioning authority and expressing a desire for independence?

1. Finding a personal identity

2. Seeking academic excellence

3. Developing social skills

4. Enhancing familial relationships

The correct answer is: Finding a personal identity

The primary developmental task that a 14-year-old adolescent is likely focused on is finding a personal identity. During this stage of development, adolescents are exploring their sense of self and trying to understand who they are as individuals separate from their parents and family. This process often involves questioning authority figures, which serves as a way for them to assert their independence and test boundaries. The desire for autonomy is a critical aspect of identity formation, as teenagers experiment with different roles, beliefs, and values to see which ones resonate with their emerging sense of self. This stage of development is often characterized by a quest for personal meaning and a strong drive to carve out one's own identity. While seeking academic excellence, developing social skills, and enhancing familial relationships are also important during adolescence, they are often secondary to the overarching goal of establishing a personal identity. This identity formation can significantly influence a teenager's choices, relationships, and overall behavior during this formative time in their lives.