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 theself, made up on goals, values, and beliefs to which a personis solidly committed.

C. Identity versus Identity “Role” Confusion: Erikson’s fifthstage of social & emotional development, in which anadolescent 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 interviewslasting approximately 30 minutes, during which a person’sidentity status is determined.

3) Crisis: Whether or not one is actively exploring theissues of identity development.

4) Commitment: Whether or not one has made anydecisions.

2) Identity Crisis: Concern with decisions about the future and achieving self-understanding.

E. Identity Statuses

II. Adolescents and Peers

A. Key Factors Regarding Friendships1) 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:

SexRace/EthnicityAcademic attitudeRisky or problem behavior

B. Cliques: structured groups of friends that are very commonin 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 inencouraging 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 Parentingand Abuse A. Parenting Styles

1) Authoritarian: relentlessly imposing rules and

demanding obedience.

2) Permissive: parenting style emphasizingself-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 Types1) 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 andan older person.

IV. Other Issues

A. The Stereotype of Adolescent Rebellion1) 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