Nursing Fundamentals - Erikson's Theory of Growth and Development for Nursing Students Part 2. The fifth stage is identity versus role confusion. The task is developing a sense of identity. If successful, there is a sense of personal identity. If unsuccessful, there is confusion about who one is. The sixth stage is intimacy versus isolation. The task is establishing intimate bonds of love and friendship. If successful, they gain the ability to love deeply and commit oneself. If unsuccessful, the