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.

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

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