Give an example from real life or from fiction of a person who adopts a negative identity, rather than suffer the inner turmoil of identity confusion.

Identity confusion occurs when individuals are uncertain about their place in the world. This state typically arises during adolescence as part of Eric Erikson's stages of psychological development, but it can also emerge later during stressful life changes. The core of this confusion is the questioning of who one is and what one values.

For instance, during the transition from high school to college, a teen might struggle to reconcile their parental expectations with their personal interests. This struggle might manifest in difficulty making choices about their future or a propensity to go along with peer behaviors despite personal disagreement. This is a critical phase where support and guidance are crucial for the person to form a coherent sense of self rather than retreat into a negative identity that is easier to navigate but ultimately harmful.

Ego identity is the conscious sense of self that we develop through social interaction. According to Erikson, it is a sense of personal continuity and uniqueness from others. This part of our identity integrates our ideas, abilities, needs, and roles.

Ego identity development involves exploring various beliefs and roles to figure out what fits best. However, when individuals cannot establish a satisfactory identity, often due to identity confusion, they might assume a role opposite to their values, i.e., a negative identity. Healthy ego identity is about finding the balance between personal aspirations and societal norms. If this balance tilts due to overwhelming confusion, a person like Anakin Skywalker might become Darth Vader, embracing negative values to gain a sense of control and direction.

Psychological development is the process through which individuals evolve emotionally and cognitively as they age. Erikson proposed that development happens across eight stages, each marked by a specific conflict that must be resolved for healthy personality development.

During the fifth stage, 'Identity vs. Role Confusion', adolescents are particularly vulnerable to identity confusion. Successful navigation of this stage leads to fidelity, meaning the ability to live by one's chosen values and ideals. Failing at this stage might result in poor self-identity and increased susceptibility to adopting a negative identity as an escape from the difficulties of growth and self-realization. An example of this can be seen in Anakin's psychological development, where the failure in resolving internal conflicts prompted a shift to a negative identity—Darth Vader.