Adolescent Identity Issues

I. The Search for Identity A. Who am I and why am I here? B. Identity: According to Erikson, a coherent conception of the self, made up on goals, values, and beliefs to which a person is solidly committed. C. Identity versus Identity “Role” Confusion: Erikson’s fifth stage of social & emotional development, in which an adolescent seeks to develop a coherent sense of self, including the role she or he is to play in society. 1) Psychological Moratorium: In Erikson’s theory, a “time-out” period that is provided by adolescence. 2) Fidelity: In Erikson’s theory, the virtue attained in the fifth stage, involving sustained loyalty, faith, and/or a sense of belonging to loved ones and society.

D. Marcia: Identity Status—Crisis and Commitment 1)Identity-Status Interviews: Semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 30 minutes, during which a person’s identity status is determined. 3) Crisis: Whether or not one is actively exploring the issues of identity development. 4) Commitment: Whether or not one has made any decisions. 2) Identity Crisis: Concern with decisions about the future and achieving self-understanding.

E. Identity Statuses

II. Adolescents and Peers A. Key Factors Regarding Friendships 1) More important than in any other life period. 2) More reciprocal and stable than in childhood. 3) Increased intimacy. 4) Adolescents choose friends similar in: Sex Race/Ethnicity Academic attitude Risky or problem behavior B. Cliques: structured groups of friends that are very common in adolescence. Membership types: 1) Member: ties to only one group. 2) Liaison: ties to more than one group. 3) Isolate: not connected to any group.

C. Peer Pressure: the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to change his or her attitudes, values, or behavior in order to conform to group norms. III. The Role of Parents: Styles of Parenting and Abuse A. Parenting Styles 1) Authoritarian: relentlessly imposing rules and demanding obedience. 2) Permissive: parenting style emphasizing self-expression and self-regulation. 3) Uninvolved: do whatever you want. 4) Authoritative: have rules and control, but explain why they are necessary in a loving and caring way.

B. Child Abuse: 3 Common Types 1) Physical Abuse: Action taken to endanger a minor, involving potential bodily injury. 2) Neglect: Failure to meet a minor's basic needs. 3) Sexual Abuse: Sexual activity involving a minor and an older person. IV. Other Issues A. The Stereotype of Adolescent Rebellion 1) A time of emotional turmoil. 2) Conflict within the family. 3) Alienation from adult society. 4) Reckless behavior. 5) Rejection of adult values. B. The Importance of Music during Identity Development