Adolescent Identity Formation

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Identity Formation According to Glover, Galliher, & Lamere (2009) formation of individual identity is perhaps the most significant of developmental tasks faced by early adolescents. Early adolescents are expected to negotiate forming a cohesive sense of self whilst their newfound cognitive abilities see their thinking become outward focused, causing them to become acutely aware of their social standing. Peer groups within the social context of early adolescent development play a significant role in identity formation as adolescents turn more toward their peers for support and information over their parents, and social belongingness becomes of primary importance (Teasdale & Bradley-Engen, 2010). Conflict becomes an inherent part of adolescent …show more content…

Separation and individuation sees adolescents seeking to disengage from caregivers in order to establish a sense of self that is separate, distinct and individuated. This reduces dependence on caregivers for approval, self-esteem and standards of conduct, and adolescents take over self-esteem regulation and self-definition (Lapsley, 2010.). Separation and individuation involves not only moving away from parental control in order to create autonomy, but also a move away from parental ideals as strengths and limitations of parental values are recognized by youth in order to establish a personal values system of their own. Although early adolescents separate from their parents, emotional support and relatedness from their parents is crucial in assisting youth to achieve individuation and autonomy. Erikson’s Identity vs Role Confusion Stage of his psychosocial developmental theory sees early adolescence as a period where youth shift between autonomy and dependence; adult and child; and want for support and need for independence. Family reactions to SSA may range from hostility and rejection, abuse, or violence, to tolerance, rather than active support of their youth (Carpineto, Kubicek, Weiss, Iverson & Kipke, 2008). Families that perpetuate stereotypes about homosexuality may contribute to confusion in SSA adolescents. Youth experiencing SSA may feel the need to conceal their feelings, emotions and experiences of SSA from their parents for fear of hostility, attributing to seclusion within the home, and potentially severing their emotional support (Teasdale & Bradley-Engen, 2010). Feelings of guilt, anger, and resentment toward parents may accompany the need to conceal emotions and experiences as the adolescent still craves dependence and support but feels it is now unattainable. Distancing themselves from parental support

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