Adolescent Development: The Self

Erikson: The Self in Adolescence

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