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.

Promoting Healthy Identity Development

• 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

Development of The Self

• 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

The Daily Lives of Adolescents

• 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