These feelings of self-worth and confidence assisted me as I navigated my way through the identity versus role confusion stage. Erikson (as cited in Swartwood, p. 84) states that the developmental crisis of this stage is centered on the establishment of identity. Role confusion can be experience by an adolescent who does not successfully establish an identity in occupation, gender roles, politics, and religion. Erikson’s work has been expanded on by James Marcia (as cited in Swartwood, p. 84), who has recognized four “identity statuses.” These statuses “explain unique differences in how young adults search for an answer to…” who they are, based on their levels of exploration and commitment (Swartwood, p. 84).
Swartwood (p. 84) define exploration as “the idea that an individual is actively experimenting with different lifestyles and ways of being in the world” and commitment as “when an individual has decided on a particular lifestyle.” Marcia’s (as cited in Swartwood, pp. 84-85) …show more content…
I grew up with a sense of identity foreclosure, for I always fell in line with my parent’s beliefs and ideals. My parents had visions of their daughter becoming a brain surgeon or engineer, and they always tried to sway me away from ‘less prestigious’ professions. This caused profound turmoil in my life, for I became torn between what my parents wanted and what I desired. I definitely experience role confusion, for I needed to decide if I was more my parent’s daughter or my own person. This led me to a state of identity moratorium, for I refused to commit to a career path without exploring the plethora of option available to me first. Eventually, I made the decision that was best for me and become a teacher. My aspirations are endless and I now know who I am, and I think my parents are beginning to understand that this is a space that I will flourish
Swartwood (p. 84) define exploration as “the idea that an individual is actively experimenting with different lifestyles and ways of being in the world” and commitment as “when an individual has decided on a particular lifestyle.” Marcia’s (as cited in Swartwood, pp. 84-85) …show more content…
I grew up with a sense of identity foreclosure, for I always fell in line with my parent’s beliefs and ideals. My parents had visions of their daughter becoming a brain surgeon or engineer, and they always tried to sway me away from ‘less prestigious’ professions. This caused profound turmoil in my life, for I became torn between what my parents wanted and what I desired. I definitely experience role confusion, for I needed to decide if I was more my parent’s daughter or my own person. This led me to a state of identity moratorium, for I refused to commit to a career path without exploring the plethora of option available to me first. Eventually, I made the decision that was best for me and become a teacher. My aspirations are endless and I now know who I am, and I think my parents are beginning to understand that this is a space that I will flourish