SOCIOEMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENCE Chapter 16 © 2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Identity A self-portrait of many pieces, a synthesis of: Career and work path chosen Political, religious, relationship identities Achievement, intellectual identity Sexual, cultural/ethnic identities Interests, personality, physical identity A lengthy, complex, lifelong process Changing and renegotiated

Identity Erikson’s view Believed to be a key aspect of adolescent development 5th stage: Identity vs. identity confusion Confusion takes two forms: Self-isolation or lost in the crowd Identity search aided by psychosocial moratorium – transition, exploratory time

Identity James Marcia Four statuses of identity inferred in Erikson’s identity Crisis – period of exploration in identity Commitment – personal investment

Marcia’s Identity Statuses

Identity Emerging adulthood and beyond Key changes likely occur in ages 18 to 25 College students’ identity more stable in vocational choices than high school students Not so for religious beliefs, political ideology College creates increasing complexities Social commitments New experiences Freedoms, self-discipline

Identity Family influences In general, enhances identity formation Individuality within family (2 dimensions) Self-assertion Separateness Connectedness with family (2 dimensions) Mutuality (sensitivity, respect) Permeability (openness to other views) In general, enhances identity formation

Identity Ethnic identity Sense of membership in ethnic group; also attitudes and feelings related to the group Influenced by sociocultural contexts Indicators of identity often differ among generations of immigrants Existing environmental social factors have impact, such as crime and unemployment

Emotional Development More extreme emotions Emotions more changeable, fleeting Moodiness is normal Decrease in overall happiness Risk of depression Pubertal changes and environmental experiences linked to negative emotions

Autonomy and Attachment Push for autonomy Conflict when adolescents push for autonomy Parents should relinquish control gradually, as adolescent is able to make reasonable decisions Gender and culture affect seeking and granting autonomy

Autonomy and Attachment Role of attachment Quality of attachment between parents and adolescent has some impact on involvement in problem/risky behaviors Balancing freedom and control Parents play important role; monitor and guide, quality relationship and limitations

Parent-Adolescent Conflict Escalated conflict due to Biological changes (puberty) Cognitive changes (idealism, logic) Social changes (independence, identity) Maturational changes Violated expectations Prolonged conflict is unhealthy Linked to many behavioral problems

Friendships Sullivan’s ideas stood the test of time Dramatic increase in psychological importance and intimacy of close friends Most motivated by popularity with peers Peers help shape development; increased mutual dependency for many needs Friends’ character and quality of friendship are important influences Choice varies among individuals

Peer Groups Peer pressure can be negative; most is positive Recent study of ages 14 to 18 Important to stand up for own principles Adolescents conform more to peer standards than younger children do Resist parental influence stronger in U.S. Self-esteem can motivate membership

Peer Groups Cliques Crowds Average 5 to 6 people Usually same sex, age Formed from shared activities, friendship Crowds Larger than cliques, more informal Usually formed based on reputation May not spend much time together

Dating and Romantic Relationships Spend considerable time dating, thinking about it By 10th grade; about 50% had relationship lasting more than 2 months By 12th grade: others did not have relationship lasting 2 months or more Today, teens find comfort in numbers, hanging out in mixed-sex groups more

Dating and Romantic Relationships Cyberdating Alternative to traditional dating Gay male and lesbian youth Little research done here Many hide their orientation For most: same-sex experience is experiment Go on to heterosexual orientation later

Juvenile Delinquency Juvenile delinquent: adolescent who breaks laws, engages in illegal behavior Broad concept; much higher risks for males Great increase in female delinquency Issues of controversy Adolescent tried as adult; does it reduce crime rates? States adopting ‘get tough’ policies

Juvenile Delinquency Causes Proposed: Heredity, identity problems, community influences, family experiences Erikson: restricted social roles, unrealistic expectations for them More common in lower SES Lower class culture promotes it?

Juvenile Delinquency Causes Lower cultural gangs and peers? Antisocial gangs, counterproductivity Neighborhoods have higher crime rates Criminal role models Personal, family problems Unemployment, lack of employment skills, dysfunctional family, poor parenting, etc.

Depression Females experience and express it more than males for various reasons Family factors put some youth at risk Peer relationships linked to depression Romantic relationships increase risks Onset in early adolescence linked to negative outcomes later Most treatments include medications

Suicide Rare in childhood, risks increase with age Third leading cause of adolescent death; emerging adults at risk 3 times more than adolescents Suicidal peers is influential factor Threats should be viewed seriously Gay males and lesbians at highest risk Females use pills, cut wrists Males use lethal means

Interrelation of problems and Successful Prevention/Intervention 4 problems affecting adolescents most: Drug abuse Juvenile delinquency Sexual problems School-related problems In the U.S.: Estimated 10% engage in above behaviors