Adolescence and Identity Development

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

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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?

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

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• May develop negative identity • Low self-esteem and autonomy • Not involved in intimate relationships -- distant and withdrawn

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

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

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

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.

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. 235-36).