the condition of being uncertain of one's feelings about oneself, esp. with regard to character, goals, and origins, occurring esp. in adolescence as a result of growing up under disruptive, fast-changing conditions
Origin:
coined by E. Erikson (1902-94), U.S. psychoanalyst
See identity crisis in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A psychosocial state or condition of disorientation and role confusion occurring especially in adolescents as a result of conflicting internal and external experiences, pressures, and expectations and often producing acute anxiety.
An analogous state of confusion occurring in a social structure, such as an institution or a corporation.