Identity Formation During
Adolescence
Amal Sohail
PSY 232 Lifespan Development
Professor Joasil
INTRODUCTION:
Adolescence is a developmental phase in an individual’s life when he/she begins developing
his/her own sense of self and establishing who that person is as a unique individual. This
phase in development is characterized by adolescents beginning to explore their beliefs,
values, relationships, and future plans while developing from dependency on their
family/childhood toward independence as an adult (Overstreet, 2010).
Exploring identity development includes looking at possible roles for oneself and determining what one's values and goals truly are. Adolescents tend to try out interests, friendships, and potential futures, while simultaneously questioning themselves regarding, "Who am I?" and "Who do I want to be?" (Overstreet, 2010). According to research, developing one’s identity is considered to be a major developmental
task as it has significant effects on how emotionally well-adjusted an adolescent will be, the quality of the social relationships they develop, and long-term decision-making (Klimstra, 2013). Unlike other aspects of an adolescent’s development, identity development is not something that happens all at once; rather, it is developed through time and through experiences and social interactions throughout adolescence (Crocetti, 2017).
CORE CONCEPT: ERIKSON + IDENTITY
Erik Erikson defined adolescence as an individual's
Identity vs. Role Confusion stage; adolescents try to
define their identities. A successful outcome during
this stage is called identity achievement, while a lack
of commitment to roles and plans can be referred to as
uncertainty of one's future (Overstreet, 2010).
The reason for the adolescent developing a more
complex self-concept lies in cognitive development
which allows the adolescent to have the ability to think
abstractly and form mental images of many possible
futures. The adolescent develops a sense of who they
are through their beliefs, personality traits, and values
rather than their physical attributes (Overstreet,
2010).
Studies done in modern developmental research also
support Erikson's identity development theory in that
it was found to be linked to personality development
and overall psychological well-being (Klimstra, 2013).
INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY (Matching Activity)
RESEARCH EVIDENCE
Research indicates that the identity formation process occurs from the interplay of an individual's personality and environment. Adolescents continually assess their commitments and make adjustments to their perception of themselves based upon their experiences (Crocetti, 2017). The studies on adolescent personality demonstrate that identity exploration has been associated with psychological maturation and emotional adjustment throughout adolescence (Klimstra, 2013) The environmental context in which adolescents experience life (such as peer groups, school-based activities and leisure time) provides adolescents with the opportunity to attempt different roles and explore their own areas of interest thereby supporting adolescent identity formation (Kivel, 1998). Together these studies indicate that the process of forming one's identity is a developmental process of both internal growth and external experiences (Overstreet, 2010).
CONCLUSION!
During the adolescent years, the process of developing an identity, through both exploration and commitment, is one of the most significant and critical developmental processes in a person's lifetime (Overstreet, 2010). Both Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development, as well as Marcia's Identity Statuses, provide researchers with a rationale to understand why many adolescents will seem uncertain or even inconsistent when attempting to develop their identity. According to research, identity development is a gradual process, as it develops based on the relationships, environments, and experiences a young person has (Klimstra, 2013; Crocetti, 2017; Kivel, 1998). An understanding of the identity formation process also provides psychologists with a means of better explaining adolescent behavior and demonstrates how successful development during this period can lay the groundwork for a healthy adulthood.
REFERENCES:
Crocetti, E. (2017). Identity formation in adolescence: The dynamic of forming and consolidating identity commitments. Child Development Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12226 Kivel, B. D. (1998). Adolescent identity formation and leisure contexts: A selective review of literature. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 69(1), 36–38. Klimstra, T. A. (2013). Adolescent personality development and identity formation. Child Development Perspectives, 7(2), 80–84. Overstreet, L. (2010). Lifespan development. Lumen Learning. Retrieved February 16, 2022, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/
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Transcript
Identity Formation During Adolescence
Amal Sohail PSY 232 Lifespan Development Professor Joasil
INTRODUCTION:
Adolescence is a developmental phase in an individual’s life when he/she begins developing his/her own sense of self and establishing who that person is as a unique individual. This phase in development is characterized by adolescents beginning to explore their beliefs, values, relationships, and future plans while developing from dependency on their family/childhood toward independence as an adult (Overstreet, 2010). Exploring identity development includes looking at possible roles for oneself and determining what one's values and goals truly are. Adolescents tend to try out interests, friendships, and potential futures, while simultaneously questioning themselves regarding, "Who am I?" and "Who do I want to be?" (Overstreet, 2010). According to research, developing one’s identity is considered to be a major developmental task as it has significant effects on how emotionally well-adjusted an adolescent will be, the quality of the social relationships they develop, and long-term decision-making (Klimstra, 2013). Unlike other aspects of an adolescent’s development, identity development is not something that happens all at once; rather, it is developed through time and through experiences and social interactions throughout adolescence (Crocetti, 2017).
CORE CONCEPT: ERIKSON + IDENTITY
Erik Erikson defined adolescence as an individual's Identity vs. Role Confusion stage; adolescents try to define their identities. A successful outcome during this stage is called identity achievement, while a lack of commitment to roles and plans can be referred to as uncertainty of one's future (Overstreet, 2010). The reason for the adolescent developing a more complex self-concept lies in cognitive development which allows the adolescent to have the ability to think abstractly and form mental images of many possible futures. The adolescent develops a sense of who they are through their beliefs, personality traits, and values rather than their physical attributes (Overstreet, 2010). Studies done in modern developmental research also support Erikson's identity development theory in that it was found to be linked to personality development and overall psychological well-being (Klimstra, 2013).
INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY (Matching Activity)
RESEARCH EVIDENCE
Research indicates that the identity formation process occurs from the interplay of an individual's personality and environment. Adolescents continually assess their commitments and make adjustments to their perception of themselves based upon their experiences (Crocetti, 2017). The studies on adolescent personality demonstrate that identity exploration has been associated with psychological maturation and emotional adjustment throughout adolescence (Klimstra, 2013) The environmental context in which adolescents experience life (such as peer groups, school-based activities and leisure time) provides adolescents with the opportunity to attempt different roles and explore their own areas of interest thereby supporting adolescent identity formation (Kivel, 1998). Together these studies indicate that the process of forming one's identity is a developmental process of both internal growth and external experiences (Overstreet, 2010).
CONCLUSION!
During the adolescent years, the process of developing an identity, through both exploration and commitment, is one of the most significant and critical developmental processes in a person's lifetime (Overstreet, 2010). Both Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development, as well as Marcia's Identity Statuses, provide researchers with a rationale to understand why many adolescents will seem uncertain or even inconsistent when attempting to develop their identity. According to research, identity development is a gradual process, as it develops based on the relationships, environments, and experiences a young person has (Klimstra, 2013; Crocetti, 2017; Kivel, 1998). An understanding of the identity formation process also provides psychologists with a means of better explaining adolescent behavior and demonstrates how successful development during this period can lay the groundwork for a healthy adulthood.
REFERENCES:
Crocetti, E. (2017). Identity formation in adolescence: The dynamic of forming and consolidating identity commitments. Child Development Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12226 Kivel, B. D. (1998). Adolescent identity formation and leisure contexts: A selective review of literature. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 69(1), 36–38. Klimstra, T. A. (2013). Adolescent personality development and identity formation. Child Development Perspectives, 7(2), 80–84. Overstreet, L. (2010). Lifespan development. Lumen Learning. Retrieved February 16, 2022, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/