Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

The Physical Stuff The key physical aspect of adolescent development is puberty, the period during which a person reaches sexual maturity and is able to reproduce. Triggered between the ages of 8-14, puberty is started by a release of hormones from the pituitary gland which initiates the production of the sex hormones, primarily testosterone (males) and estrogen(females). This leads to bodily growth in height and weight as well as the maturation of sexual organs and the development of secondary sex characteristics. Due to an influx of hormones and emotional changes, Puberty is often referred to as a time of “sturm und drang”: Storm and Stress.

Identity Development According the Erik Erikson’s theory (the chart I gave you), the major concern of adolescents and young adults is identity. James Marcia further developed Erikson’s theory and proposed four identity statuses to characterize a person’s search for identity.

Four Statuses (With examples) Identity achievement: Have formed an identity after going through a “crisis”, or the consideration of many alternatives. Students have a college major and considered alternatives before deciding on that major. Identity diffusion: Haven’t committed to an identity and are not yet attempting to define their sense of self. Students have no major and are not particularly concerned about finding one.

Four Statuses Continued Foreclosure: Achieved an identity without going through a crisis. Students decided on a college major without exploring or going through a period of questioning. Moratorium: Having a prolonged period of crisis. Students are in crisis as they actively try to decide what to major in.

Consider these questions: 1. Have you decided on a career? 2. What led you to that decision? 3. Did you consider any alternatives? 4. If you have not chosen a career, what are you doing to help you decide? Bonus: If you are not a born American citizen, how have you developed your identity as an “American”? Have you? Does it come into conflict with any identity you have as a member of your native country/community?

Sexual Identity Adolescence is often when students begin to explore their sexual orientation and identity. While we’ll talk more about sexual orientation later in the year, it’s important to note that there is no medical or psychological basis for any sexual orientation being “right” or “wrong”.

Role of the Family and Peers Family has a major formative influence on adolescents. Peers are the second major influence on adolescent development. Present different types of peer relationships and the impact of friends on personality and social development. These influences can be positive or negative.

Consider these questions: 1. What’s the difference between peripheral and close relationships? 2. What’s the role of reciprocity (mutual exchange, give and get) in close friendships? 3. What is bullying, and what role and affect does it have?

Emerging Adulthood Toward the end of the traditional adolescence years, individual may enter a prolonged period of extended adolescence. This period includes the college years and beyond. With increases in the age of first marriage and delays in having children, emerging adulthood is becoming more of a reality, particularly in some socioeconomic groups that can afford a college education. However, in some cultures, young adults reach adulthood earlier than in other cultures.

Age and Stress Think about your own stressors and responsibilities. How do these compare to your parents (and older siblings if you have them)? How about younger siblings (if you have them)? How do you feel about entering adulthood in such an uncertain time (politically, economically)? Do you plan on going straight to college, or are you going to wait?

Thought Experiment Imagine that every future child was born with only one leg. How would this change things (Clothing, Architecture, Culture, Transportation, etc)? Do you think norms and, in turn, targets of discrimination would change? How? How would it be different if only 9 out of every 10 babies were born with one leg (one out of ten still had two)?