Adolescence – Theories
Discuss research into social development in adolescence,
including the formation of identity.
Intro
Hall described adolescence as a time of “storm and
stress”, and the popular image is that it is a period of
crisis and turbulence. However, a key question is whether
this is true. In addition, we must also ask whether
adolescence is actually a stage in the
psychological/developmental sense.
Theory 1: Psychodynamic theory – Erikson
Like Freud, Erikson’s theory of personality development
is a stage theory, involving the resolution of crises.
However, Erikson’s stages of development last the whole
life span and the theory focuses on psychosocial aspects
of development especially the ego.
In adolescence (13- 19 years), the young person is
experiencing many changes – such as social changes,
Major decisions and biological changes – and these
processes of maturing bring it into conflict with the
expectation of society. The adolescent experiences a
crisis of identity vs. role confusion, and this is
characterised by a profound feeling of uncertainty,
which Erikson calls “Identity diffusion and
Discuss research into social development in adolescence,
including the formation of identity.
Intro
Hall described adolescence as a time of “storm and
stress”, and the popular image is that it is a period of
crisis and turbulence. However, a key question is whether
this is true. In addition, we must also ask whether
adolescence is actually a stage in the
psychological/developmental sense.
Theory 1: Psychodynamic theory – Erikson
Like Freud, Erikson’s theory of personality development
is a stage theory, involving the resolution of crises.
However, Erikson’s stages of development last the whole
life span and the theory focuses on psychosocial aspects
of development especially the ego.
In adolescence (13- 19 years), the young person is
experiencing many changes – such as social changes,
Major decisions and biological changes – and these
processes of maturing bring it into conflict with the
expectation of society. The adolescent experiences a
crisis of identity vs. role confusion, and this is
characterised by a profound feeling of uncertainty,
which Erikson calls “Identity diffusion and
