White Oleander, 2002 Based on a novel by: Janet Fitch Directed by: Peter Kosminsky Starring: Alison Lohman; Michelle Pfeifer; Billy Connoly; Rene Zellweger; Robin Wright Penn; Beautiful Flower Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants in the world and contains numerous toxic compounds,poisonous plants

Plot Summary Astrid 12 yrs old (novel) 15 yrs old (movie) Placed in Foster Care Starr-ex stripper;alcoholic; professes to believe in Jesus ; wife of Ray- Astrid’s first love; Claire- very caring motherly type woman; married to Mark who is always travelling because of work; Ingrid convinces her that her husband is cheating on her; she commits suicide Rena- Russian American saleswoman who fosters children for the sake of having an extra pair of hands to help with the gathering other people’s throwaways to resell at the market. Paul- her best friend. He doesn’t judge Astrid and supports her. Ingrid Artist Loves Astrid in her own self absorbed way Sees Astrid as an extension to herself and not as a person Never Participated in mainstream parental activities Very Beautiful Sees herself stronger Falls in love with Barry Kolker Barry leaves her Murder Sentenced to 35 years to life

Script adapted for the movie Mary Agnes Donoghue Originally Ingrid is a Poet Suitcase Metaphor:

Issues Identified Narcissism Self Identity/Self Esteem Foster Care Welfare System Women in Prison Adolescence Parental Control

Adolescence What is adolescence? The search of Identity. Physiological changes. The self esteem.

Adolescence is a transitional stage that occurs between childhood and adulthood. At this stage, certain changes are dealt including biological, cognitive, social, and emotional transitions.

The 3 stages Adolescence is divided into three stages of adult development: Early adolescence (ages 12 to 14), Mid-adolescence (ages 15 to 16), and Late adolescence (ages 17 to 21).

The search of identity Erikson and Marica From childhood to adolescence : 1.Adolescents came to face different challenges 2.Start to ask the questions “ who I am?” 3.The search of 'ego identity' or 'self-definition.' From adolescence to adulthood : 1.Start to question much serious questions such "What am I going to do with my life?" 2.These are years of transition and development

According to Douvan and Adelson: "Identity does not begin in adolescence. The child has been formulating and reformulating identities throughout his life.... At adolescence, however, the commitment to an identity becomes critical. During this period, the youngster must synthesize earlier identifications with personal qualities and relate them to social opportunities and the social ideals. Who the child is to be is influenced by what the environment permits and encourages." (1966, p14)

The physiological changes Hormone changes Teenage crush

The Self esteem According to Jessica Borg in her dissertation “Adolescent’s self-esteem and effecting factors”, speaks about: Self concept and self esteem Appearance 1.Negative feeling 2.Positive feelings 3.Satisfaction

The Effects on self Esteem Moreover, Jessica Borg discusses the factors that effect self esteem including: Academic Achievement, Family and Parents, Friends and peers, and People in the society.

Reference List Adams, G., & Berzonsky, M. (2006). Blackwell handbook of adolescence. Malden MA: Blackwell Publishing Ltd Borg, J., (2008) Adolescent’s self-esteem and effecting factors. (B.psych. Dissertation) University of Malta. Cave, B. (n.d.). The search for identity: The teenage struggle. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from Douvan, E., & Adelson, J. (1966). The Adolescent Experiment. New York: John Wiley and Sons. (p.14). Weiten, W. ( 2010). Psychology: Themes and variations (8th ed.). Belmont CA: Wadswort Cengage Learning.