1. Adolescence and Identity Development

2. Psychosocial Development Theory
Psychosocial development theory is based on eight stages of development
Erikson’s theory is based on the idea that development through life is a series of stages which are each defined by a crisis or challenge
The early stages provide the foundations for later stages so Erikson says that if a child does not resolve a crisis in a particular stage, they will have problems in later stages
For example, if an adolescent does not establish their own identity, they will have difficulty in relationships as an adult

3. Identity
The teenager must achieve a sense of identity In addition, they must resolve their identity and direction. You decide who you are.
Adolescents seek to determine their beliefs, values and goals.

4. Finding the Self
This search may involve trying out their different “selves” – this can be a trying time for parents and friends

5. Identity Crisis
Identity crisis is the struggle to achieve ego identity during adolescence. In the teens years, we form our self-image and endure the task of resolving the crisis of our basic identity.

6. Identity Crisis
Failure to resolve the crisis may lead to difficulty for the individual to relate with others.

7. Identity Development and Peer Pressure
One of the reasons that teens are susceptible to peer pressure is that the opinions of others is very important.
Why?

8. Opinions
If one has not developed his or her own sense of identity, then the opinion of others is very important. Simply put, when you’re not confident about something, you’re much more likely to listen to someone else on that topic.
A teen may be asking:
What do I believe is the purpose of life?
What do I want to accomplish?
What do I value?
What are my political views? Eg. Should the government look after those in need or should individuals take greater responsibility for themselves?

9. Marcia
James Marcia (1966, 1980)
- adolescents seem to respond to the need to
make choices about their identity in one of the
four ways.

10. Identity Diffusion 1. Identity Diffusion • Not committed to anything
• Lack sense of direction
• Carefree and uninvolved
• May develop negative identity
• Low self-esteem and autonomy
• Not involved in intimate relationships --
distant and withdrawn

11. Identity Foreclosure 2. Identity foreclosure • Resolve too quickly
• Approval seeking, actions based on opinions of
others
• Conformity to values of parents and peer groups
• Have not experienced crises
• Happy and satisfied
• Very authoritarian, highly intolerant
• Least anxious

12. Identity Moratorium 3. Identity moratorium
• Postponed definite commitment
• Experiencing continual crisis
• Sometimes used as an excuse but generally
considered psychologically healthy
• Actively seeking out various alternatives
• Anxious, confused and unstable
• Rebellious and uncooperative
• Not in intimate relationships
• Do not rely on or conform to judgment of
others
• Difficulty in detaching themselves from parents

13. Identity Achieved Identity Achieved
• Have a secure sense of commitment
• Have experienced a period of crisis
• Higher measures of autonomy and self-acceptance
• Open to new experiences
• Intimate in interpersonal relationships

14. Task
In assigned groups, discuss how knowing about identity status might help high school seniors make decisions about their identity and their future. List ways how identity moratorium can sometimes be a good thing and a bad thing.

15. From Identity: Youth and Crisis – E. Erikson
This search is easily misunderstood, and often it is only dimly perceived by the individual himself, because youth, always set to grasp both diversity in principle and principle in diversity, must often test extremes before setting on a considered course. These extremes, particularly in times of ideological confusion and widespread marginality of identity, may include not only rebellious but also deviant, delinquent, and self-destructive tendencies. However, all of this can be in the nature of a moratorium, a period of delay in which to test the rock bottom of some truth before committing the powers of the mind and body to a segment of the existing (or a coming) order (1968, p ).