Adolescent Development: The Self

Erikson’s identity versus role confusion: Erikson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development.
Self-descriptions now include contradictory traits.
“Trying on” different identities.
Positive and negative identities.

Open lines of communication * Teens who describe parents as “available” and “understanding”, less likely to engage in risky, dangerous behavior * Speak transparently but matter of fact and succinctly regarding sexual exploration
Establish and uphold rules and boundaries * Incorporating warmth, responsiveness, and control * Reduces drug use and risky behaviors

Self-Esteem During Adolescence * Cognitive ability to compare real selves to ideal selves * Appearance very important to adolescents * Can account for 45–70% of variance in global self-esteem
Gender differences appear early
Racial and ethnic differences exist * Positive effects of representation, inclusion
Ethnic and Racial Identity * Racism consists of: * Stereotypes * Prejudices * Discrimination * Microaggressions * Institutional racism related to mental health outcomes * Toxic stress * Racial socialization
Online Identity * Experimentation with online self- presentations * Impression management * Those with lower self-esteem log in more often * Selfies * Imaginary audience * May contribute to narcissism

Varies culturally
Unstructured Time * Often spent using media * Teens stay in touch with friends online * Both positive and negative features of media use * Community involvement * Cyberbullying * Online predators