Adolescence

The years between childhood and adulthood Broken into 3 stages: –Early Adolescence: –Middle Adolescence: –Late Adolescence: 16-19

Adolescence Marked by significant changes: –Physical –Social –Emotional –Psychological –Cognitive—Intellectual –Moral

Adolescence as a Social Invention A historically new phenomenon –G. Stanley Hall Why? –Industrialization –Urbanization –Education –Adolescent Employment

Erik Erikson Personality (Identity) Development A “healthy” identity is acquired through the resolution of a series of life crises/dilemmas 8 stages in life –2 stages in adolescence

Erikson—Stage 4 Industry –Early Adolescent –Must “do” or accomplish things –Adult role models become important Inferiority –If NO achievements a sense of inferiority or inadequacy develops

Erikson—Stage 5 Identity vs. Role Confusion –Questions: Who am I? What can I be? Am I capable? –Major influence: Peers more important than parents –Dynamic: Testing roles in social situations Looking for feedback—Am I liked? Can I like?

Stress and Crisis Adolescence is a time in a teen’s life that can be very stressful. –Expectations—family, friends, parents, teachers, etc. –Causes feelings of being overwhelmed and confused Result—Identity Crisis

Identity Crisis Definition: –Situation of emotional and mental stress requiring significant changes of outlook within a short period of time. –Includes personality changes. Erikson— “a time of suspended animation”

Identity Crisis “Suspended Animation” Two Poles: –Moratorium ( ) on one end –Impulsive acts/feelings on the other

Role Confusion Influences Fidelity- –Search or desire for something to be TRUE to. person, idea, etc. Dynamic- –Testing roles in social situations and looking for feedback. Genuineness- –of people, models, ideas, tendency to love/hate, right, wrong. Intensive Reactions—or expressions— –of their fidelity, love, and hate.

Variables in Identity Crises Need- –peer acceptance in early adolescence Self-indulgence –preoccupied with appearance and looks Unique –they think no one else has their problems Important: –Self esteem –being “cool” Conflict –with parents, but move on and become more independent Fear of: –physical differences –not fitting in

Results of an Identity Crisis A new self-definition is integrated into personality The person moves on (succeeds) with life The “Real Me” is found. Role confusion is not solved There can be feelings of shame, lack of pride, and personal alienation. It can eventually develop into a completely negative identity—gangs, delinquent behavior PositiveNegative

Offer Longitudinal Study 1975 Identifies 3 Basic Styles of Adolescence

Offer’s 3 Styles of Adolescence: Continuous—23% Surgent—35% Tumultuous—21 %

Offer’s 3 Styles of Adolescence:

Smooth transition Good family relations Accept societal roles Good interpersonal relations “All American Kid” Continuous

Example of Continuous The Brady Bunch Few Problems Grew up in “All American Family”

Examples of Continuous Brady Bunch Happy Days 90210—Brandon Eric—That 70s Show Corey—Boy Meets World The Wonder Years— Kevin 7 th Heaven

Cycle of “ups and downs” Plateau of stability then, another crisis comes up Generally families had divorce, major crisis or death. Surgent

Example of Surgent Dawson Dawson’s Creek –Most of the characters can fit into one of Offer’s 3 Styles

Surgent Examples Party of Five 90210—Kelly, Steve Others? Shawn—Boy Meets World

Inner turmoil Behavioral problems Critical of social environment Very introspective and sensitive Withdrawal Tumultuous

Tumultuous Examples Daria Hyde—That 70’s Show

Elkind Imaginary audience- high self- consciousness, all looks are critical, strong feelings of being conspicuous. Adolescent Egocentricism- follows along with imaginary audience, they are the center of attention, either negative or positive.

Imaginary Audience

STURM Und DRANG?!? Is Adolescence Sturm und Drang? (storm and stress)