Adolescence

* Trying to “find” themselves * Both individually and socially * During early adolescence, begin to develop the ability to form their own decisions and opinions * Begin to develop their own personal identity – a sense they are their own unique individual

* Teens are better able to understand others’ feelings * Begin to show compassion and responsibility * Young teens often worry about physical appearance * Teens explore who they are

* Family – even though teens rebel against family, they are still important in playing a role of who to become * Peers – teens often adapt tastes and beliefs to be the same as others, especially “popular” members * Future plans/ideas – begin to decide where they want to go in the future and what needs to be done to get there

* As they develop their own personalities teens become more concerned with what peers think of them * Some become self-centered or self-absorbed * Others become self conscious * Teens conform to ideas and likes of the group(s) – especially in early teen years * Need for acceptance is greatest during this time * Behavior can often upset parents and adults

* Hang out with friends, obsessed with their phones and communicating online * Want to spend more time with friends and less with family * Teens begin to rebel against parents, authority and other adults who they feel are trying to stop their self expression

* Teens want more freedom and independence * Conflict with parents who are trying to “protect” them * Teens begin to question adults * Changes and actions cause friction between teens and adults

* Young teens worry more about their appearance * As they get older, teens experiment with relationships * Close friends are important * This is who teens share thoughts, feelings, and dreams with * Having at least one close friend helps navigate through ups and downs of adolescence * Feel stronger with someone on their side

* Continue to socialize at activities * Time with friends, parties, after school activities, sports * Community often tries to sponsor events and provide opportunities * Important in becoming a well adjusted person * Also to make a contribution to society

Erik Erikson – Identity vs. Confusion * Even the most well adjusted teen experiences some identity confusion * Considered to be “normal” as teens are discovering who they are and want to be * Confusion can be more serious for some * Social and cultural influences have strong effects on adolescence * Believes Peer Pressure is the most significant * One who tries too hard to be like someone else is experiencing an identity crisis

James Marcia – Identity Processes * Four Paths to identity crisis for teens 1. Accept values of family and other adults 2. Teens are unsure of who they are, but are determined to find an identity; still developing their identity 3. No sense of identity and no desire to find one 4. Determined values and secure with their identity