I. Continuity of issues, tasks (all life stages)
developing trust
establishing autonomy
fashioning expanded sense of self
acquiring competence
II. Is adolescence a stormy time?
early adolescence as a "subphase"
few clashes between parents, young people over basic values
III. Adolescent identity
Erik Eriksons 8 stages of lifespan "psycho-social" model
Childhood and Society; Identity and Adolescence
emphasized identity formation process
importance of identity crisis
importance of others: recognition & confirmation
James Marcia (1980) extended Erikson's work
interview study identified two factors:
has person had identity crisis?
commitment (adoption of a sexual orientation, values,
vocational direction)
model describes 4 identity statuses (NOT stages):
foreclosure, diffusion, moratorium, achievement
IV. Factors aiding identity formation
cognitive development, (Piagets "formal operations" construct)
able to reflect on self
can see a range of alternatives
sees self in past, present, future; sees self in multiple roles
V. Factors hampering identity formation
rapidly changing body
emerging sex drives
de-identification with caregivers -- sees human weaknesses
VI. Adolescent egocentrism
self-absorption, self-consciousness (primping)
mentally is on-stage, a "star": imaginary audience (peaks 14-15)
adoles. egocentrism parallels preschooler's centration
VII. Emotional development
self-regulation of emotion important theme
experimentation with management of emotion
music, art appreciation may intensify
reclusiveness not unusual, privacy needs
believes self to be unique
Back to Human Growth and Development Handouts Page
Revised 2/12/03 by jka.