What stage is typically characterized by separation from parents and the establishment of lifetime goals?

The stage characterized by separation from parents and the establishment of lifetime goals is adolescence. During this critical phase of development, individuals begin to form their identities, explore their independence, and set personal aspirations that will guide their transitions into adulthood. Adolescence is marked by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that contribute to a stronger sense of self, as young people navigate relationships outside of their family and start to envision their future paths, including career and educational goals.

This stage also involves experimenting with different roles and values, which leads to greater self-discovery and the establishment of a personal value system. Adolescents start to evaluate their interests and abilities to determine what they want to become, marking a shift from dependence on parents to a more independent approach in shaping their lives. The establishment of lifetime goals is often a culmination of these experiences and explorations, making this phase a pivotal period for personal development.

In contrast, childhood and late childhood are periods primarily focused on growth, learning norms, and building foundational skills, but they do not typically involve the same level of separation or future planning seen in adolescence. Early adulthood, while also focused on establishing goals, follows the adolescent period and often involves actualizing the goals that were set during adolescence.