Adolescence:
Psychosocial Development

Self and Identity

nErikson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development is?

Multiple Selves

nPossible selves: fantasies about what the future might bring if one or another course of action is chosen

nFalse self: set of behaviors adopted

¨to combat rejection,

¨to please others, or

¨to try out as a possible self

Paths to Identity

nIdentity achievement:

¨knowing who one is as a unique person,

¨accepting some cultural values and

¨rejecting others

nIdentity diffusion: lack of values.

nForeclosure: adopting preset roles and values.

nNegative identity: a rebellious, defiant identity.

Support from Adults

nThe “generation gap” between adults and teens is not wide when it comes to core beliefs and values.

nHowever, each generation does view interactions from his/her own perspective

Culture and Family

nSome have argued that adolescent rebellion is a product of Western culture.

nParent-child conflict occurs later in adolescence for Asian and Latino teens

Aspects of Parent-Teen Relationships

nCommunication

nSupport

nConnectedness

nControl

Parental Monitoring

nParental monitoring involves ongoing awareness of what a teen is doing.

nIt deters delinquency.

Peer Relationships

nPeer pressure: social pressure to conform to one’s contemporaries

nIt rises during early adolescence.

Peer Friendships

nSelection: peers choose one another

nFacilitation: peers encourage one another to do things they wouldn’t do alone

nConflict arises when the culture of friends differs considerably than the parents’ culture.

Adolescent Interactions

nThe following sequence occurs for adolescent interactions (timing varies):

¨Groups of friends of one sex only

¨Loose association of “boy” and “girl” group

¨Small mixed-sex groups

¨Pairing of couples

nMany teens, especially boys, show bouts of anger and destruction during adolescence.

Breaking the Law

nDelinquency is more frequent

n Arrest rates increase

nArrest rate for violent crimes is twice as high

nAlmost all teens have broken a minor law

nMales are arrested 3 times as often as females

Possible Roots of Life-Course Offenders

nAntisocial as a child

nParental neglect or abuse

nBrain damage

nEarly sex and drug use

nLittle participation in school activities

Mood Disorders in Adolescence

nWarning signs

¨Not eating, sleeping, talking, or moving in normal rhythm

¨Strong feelings of despair or elation not based on reality

nSuicidal ideation

¨ common among adolescents