Identity Development
General information - Erik Erikson informs us that the primary task for the adolescent is to develop a sense of his or her identity, which basically is a sense of who one is and what one wants to be and become. This is a very abstract notion (perhaps quite appropriate since this is a stage in life when abstract thought becomes possible) Which refers very generally too the adolescents settling on a sense of self and being happy with it.
What are the for parts to identity development?
- Establishing and knowing the self as an individual, separate from family, friends, etc.
- Maintaining some connection with meaningful elements of the past (such as one’s values, dreams, etc.)
- Accepting the values of a group
- Doing all of this in a manner that is stable (meaning that it will last), consistent (meaning that decisions in one are of life are not at odds with decisions in another area of life), and mature (meaning that these decisions will lead to an appropriate level of responsibility and obligations met)
Important to be aware:
Establishing one’s identity must include developing a sense of self in (at least) all of the following realms: Physical, Sexual/gender, social, vocational, religious, moral, ethnic, ideological, psychological, political.
Text book talks about: Religious, political, ethnic, vocational, and gender.
