Identity In Adolescence Research Paper

The study of the development of identity in adolescence is a topic often tested and discussed in the world of psychology. From Erik Erikson's stages of development, in particular identity v. role confusion, to James Marcia’s “Identity Statuses”, there are many studies and theories which show how identity is truly developed within an adolescent. When a person is asked to describe themselves, they will often list their occupation, their interests, religious stance, and perhaps the name of their significant other- this is who they identify as, their identity. While there are many factors that influence identity, three main components are: religious beliefs, peer groups, and cultural background. Religion is a large part of what shapes a person. In the average case, children will often feel the need to become their own person and will explore other religions than the ones normally practiced by their family.“Even though the adolescent may eventually adopt beliefs that were similar to their childhood beliefs, …show more content…
For example, in a latino culture, a girl is expected to become a woman on her fifteenth, or her quincenera, and in some middle east cultures, girls in their teenage years are expected to marry and begin to bear children. Often, children will have little to no care about their culture, but as they grow will start to realize how important their people’s past and their traditions are to their family, especially in minorities. “In particular, during early adolescence minority teenagers may deny any interest in their racial or cultural background. However, as they become more aware of the conflicts between their subculture and the dominant culture, minority adolescents often begin to explore their heritage” (“Identity Development- Aspects of Identity). This development of interest in their background is very important for adolescents to find an identity as opposed to role