Before we can discuss the effects of turmoil in the adolescent's search for identity we should understand what is meant by identity. It is oversimplifying a complex problem by saying identity answers the question of “Who am I”? or “Which way can I be”? It is essentially a purpose hunger. Only when the adolescent can envisage himself in a definite role that is acceptable to him and seemingly attainable does he feel “identified” and see himself as a personality reasonably related to his social environment. In any society, to be a comfortable, fulfilled, successful person implies finding one's identity, which is the primary psychological task of adolescence.

It is achieved, according to Eric Erikson,