Erikson's Theory Of Adolescence

Adolescence is probably the most difficult period in life for the majority of individuals since it is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood. In this period an adolescent will undergo significant changes in physiological, psychosocial and cognitive growth and development. Naturally, these changes produce a significant impact on lifestyle choices, behaviors, attitudes and relationships in the world around them. The period of adolescence is considered to begin at preteens, usually starting at age ten and going to age eighteen. The adolescence period may be divided into three main phases, early adolescence (10-13), middle adolescence (14-16) and late adolescence (17-19) while the last years of adolescence may be characterized as the last years when individuals completely grow …show more content…
This is what Erikson, a child growth and development theorist terms as identity vs. role confusion. If navigated unsuccessfully this can lead to feelings of low self esteem, self worth and can spiral the adolescent into a world of isolation (Leifer, 2015). In the gathering of raw data, it was noted that one young girl was quite distraught while in conversation with her parent when being dropped off in the morning at school, She was unhappy about not having a certain app on her phone that she felt would make her friends happy. She indicated to her parent that this was unfair and unacceptable and that if she couldn’t have the app she didn’t think her friends would like her anymore. This particular incident seems to be in line with what Erikson is saying about a young adolescent attempting to “fit in” with her peer group. That the adolescent would rather behave poorly with their parents than be forced to do something that could bring ridiculed from their peers (Edelman,