Psychosocial theory states that we all have a variety of identities that are combined to make one coherent vision of self. In this theory our social and personal identities are linked, due to the fact that we need others to view us the same way over a period of time. Psychosocial theorists believe that adolescence is a time of psychosocial moratorium as young people will try various identities until finally committing to a clear vision of who they are. In other words the adolescent has achieved ego identity. Role diffusion is how Erikson defined the failure to achieve ego identity (Phoenix, 2007).
However, Marie must establish a strong sense of identity, which is important for the development of intimate relationships. Studies have shown that a poor sense of self is likely to result in less committed relationships. If Marie were to be unsuccessful in developing a more committed relationship with her boyfriend, she is more likely to suffer from isolation, loneliness and depression. Furthermore, Levinson’s stages of adult development would identify Marie to be within the early adulthood transition, from ages 17 to 22. This would demonstrate that Marie is leaving adolescence and beginning to make choices for her adult life (Levinson, 1986).
The Fictitious profile that I have chosen for this paper was one of a lower class Hispanic adolescent teen named Juan. Then main functions of an adolescent teen are to learn from ones actions, start to make own decisions, decide whom your friends will be; this is your last step before becoming an adult. Another major function of an adolescent is Identity vs. Role Confusion some get lost in this stage. At this point development is determined by what a person does. An adolescent must struggle to find his or her own identity through social interactions, developing a sense of morality and right from wrong.
The impulsive stage is followed by the self-protective stage in which an individual understands that it is in their best interest to follow rules most of the time. In early adolescence, many move from the egocentric preoccupation with oneself to that of the group, marking the ego development to that of the conformist stage. The conformist stage is where the child conforms to what society has deemed normal and seeks a close friend with whom the child can identify in similarities. Loevinger’s theory states the adolescent may enter into a transitional stage of conscientious/conformist in which the person breaks from peer groups through an increasing awareness of self. The increasing awareness of self and one’s inner life leads to the
According to Erikson, the ego develops as it successfully resolves crises that are distinctly social in nature. These involve establishing a sense of trust in others, developing a sense of identity in society, and helping the next generation prepare for the future. Erikson extends on Freudian thoughts by focusing on the adaptive and creative characteristic of the ego, and expanding the notion of the stages of personality development to include the entire lifespan. Erikson proposed a lifespan model of development, taking in five stages up to the age of 18 years and three further stages beyond, well into adulthood. Erikson suggests that there is still plenty of room for continued growth and development throughout one’s life.
The goal of this essay is to bring to light the identity construction and development of both Helena and Sven through the theoretical micro, meso, and macro dimensions of discrimination and stratification entrenched throughout their youth experiences. Social stratification refers “to how individuals and groups are layered or ranked in society according to how many valued resources they have.” (Ballantine & Roberts, p.207). Various levels of stratification are embedded throughout Helena’s and Sven’s stories demonstrating how family, community, and identities remain key factors in the youth transition period. Sven and Helena develop their identity into adulthood while facing unstable social and economic times. First, it is important to explore each story in the micro-level analysis of stratification, prestige and influence.
The second concept, coming out of C.G. Jung's analytical psychology, describes the process in which the individual Self develops out of an undifferentiated unconscious. It is a developmental, psychical process, the process whereby the innate elements of personality, the different experiences of a person's life and the different aspects and components of the immature psyche become integrated over time into a well-functioning whole. [citation needed] There is a region where the two could be said to blur into each other, but it is important to recognize that they are in fact speaking of two different (though related) things. [citation needed] According to Jungian psychology, individuation is a process of psychological integration, having for its goal the development of the individual personality.
All the stages involve the fulfillment of libidinal desires that play significant roles in adulthood. In instances where a child fails to successfully complete the stages or a given stage, they are likely to develop a fascination that later on influences adult personality and behavior. Another theory on childhood development is the Cognitive theory put forward by Jean Piaget, which suggests that children reflect things differently than
Features of early adulthood - Psycho/social The late teens and early twenties is a time where young people face many challenges and feelings of uncertainty. It is when adolescence is left behind and adult responsibilities are assumed. However these routes to adult responsibilities are highly diverse in timing and order across individuals. During these years of extended exploration, young people prolong identity development as they explore alternatives in breadth and depth. These alternatives may be work, personal beliefs, values, love and those with the economic resources can explore alternatives in education.
Erikson introduced the idea of a psychosocial moratorium which is a temporary suspension of activity. During this time, adolescents try out different roles in order to decide which suits them best. This role sampling and resolution of role confusion leads to the establishment of the adult identity. The reason that it is so important to form an identity is that it enables the individual to cope well with the demands of life and to form adult relationships. If this crisis is not resolved then a lack of identity (or role confusion) results which can lead to four kinds of behaviour.