Identity In Adolescence, A Stage Of Changes

Identity in adolescence, a stage of changes

Adolescence is characterized by being a period reserved for reflection on oneself. The teenager wonders who he is and what he can do in life. Undoubtedly, the search for identity in adolescence is one of the most important tasks of the life cycle, and is the main during this specific period.

Identity in adolescence, a stage of changes

WHO defines adolescence as the vital period from 10 to 19 years old;in which a series of biological and psychic changes that culminate in the passage of childhood to the adult stage originate. That is, it is a transition stage: the individual is no longer a child, but not an adult either.

For its part, UNICEF understands that adolescence is a complex stage and that it can, in turn, subdivide into early and late adolescence.

In the early one – from 10 to 14 years – there would be the most striking, biological changes;while in the late – from 15 to 19 – the capacity of analytical and reflective thinking develops. However, it is in the latter period that alcohol and drug use arises more frequently.

‘Often people say that they have not yet found themselves. But the self is not something that one finds, but something that one creates ’. -Thomas Szasz-

Adolescence is a sociocultural fact

Anthropological and psychological currents, and in general social sciences, consider that adolescence is not a universal fact (unlike what is called puberty). Adolescence is a young concept, which has been formed due to the prolongation of the coexistence of children and parents.

Due to the importance that has been granted to the education and training of the individual;Family life extends and, with this, economic and personal independence has been delayed. 

However, this does not happen in all cultures. In some parts of the world, many children have to start working at an early age. In this way, they directly access what the world of adults is, without the option of enjoying adolescence.

The search for identity in adolescence as a vital task

According to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, according to which personality would develop in stages;Adolescence corresponds to the formation of identity. Erikson called this stage ‘Search for identity vs. Role dispersion ’and coincides with the adolescence crisis.

The main task of adolescence is that the adolescent acquires an identity commitment of the self;And, consequently, an increase in confidence in its self-concept.  The teenager needs to confirm that the way of seeing himself has continuity with the past;and that, in addition, it fits with the perception that others have.

However, if the teenager does not achieve this, it can be found on the other side of the balance and suffer dispersion of the role. During adolescence, this internal struggle not really knowing who we are, and not knowing if what we believe we are fits with the opinion of others;You can originate severe anxiety disorders.

Of course, in the search for identity;Various factors influence:

• The cognitive development achieved by the adolescent.
• Parental educational styles.
• The sociocultural context.

For his part, the psychologist James Marcia, in his theory of identity states, defined four levels in the formation of identity according to the presence or absence of commitment or crisis:

• Identity achievement. Despite the crisis he has suffered to find his identity, he finally expresses a commitment to the decisions he has made, confirming such identity.
• Exclusion. He commits to his personal identity, but has not suffered difficulties (that is, crisis) since he has built such identity through the elections of others.
• Identity confusion. There is no commitment, that is, the teenager does not find or accept an identity;And you don’t propose goals, so there is no crisis.
• Moratorium. He has not yet found a commitment, despite the crisis he is suffering;Although he is focused on solving him.

The involvement of parents in the search for identity in adolescence

Frequently, literature and cinema have shown us the eternal rivalry of the teenager with their parents;being the reasons for revelation the excess limits or even the possible repression of its way of being.

However, from the social sciences it is believed that parents can play a very favorable role in the formation of adolescent’s identity.

For example, the fact that parents accept the questions made by their teenage children, and are flexible to the changes they experience;You can facilitate this transition stage.

The formation of identity: key to social adaptation

According to Shaffer, establishing a personal identity is essential for personality development and, finally, to learn adaptive behaviors. Therefore, those teenagers who acquire a personal identity will better adapt to social situations, will develop self-confidence, will be better related and have less behavioral problems.

For adolescents, decide what studies and what profession to choose and, finally, what a way to keep in life, undoubtedly generates great uncertainty. In short, the elections and decisions we make, make up the way they perceive us. And, our identity is consolidated not only through our self-concept, but also by how others see us.

Therefore, adolescents must know how to know themselves;And so, discover what they like, their interests, their desires, their way of being in the world, to, ultimately, form your identity.