The Quest
Adolescence is a period of life in which critical psychological and physiological changes occur. It is also the time when identity, "a unified sense of self characterized by attitudes, beliefs, and ways of acting that are genuinely one's own "(Insel, 1994), forms. The theory of Eric Erikson describes the psychological development of identity as a developmental stage in which "individuals are faced with finding out who they are, what they are all about, and where they are going in life."(Santrock, 1997) During this stage, adolescents are trying to find an answer to the question "Who am I?" and making important life choices, such as career, intimate commitments, or morality. The identity formation period is very critical and it will affect the individual throughout the adulthood. "If adolescent arrives at a positive path to follow in life, then a positive identity will be achieved; but if a positive future path is not defined, then identity confusion reigns." (Santrock, 1997) I interviewed a 13 year old girl from a well educated family. The interview was done in the privacy of her house in her own room and took about 40 minutes. During the interview, the teen was asked to answer a list of que
Together with that, she indicated that she feels that the involvement in the intimate relationship, "having a boyfriend", means "a big deal" to her. She also claimed to possess some leadership qualities in her nature, which will become "more and more evident as she will mature. " DiscussionAdolescents are obsessed with their looks and they are expected to do that because it is through these symbols, wearing the right clothes and having cool sunglasses, that their identities are formed. Alcohol, such as beer, among teenagers is perceived as a good thing and associated with fun, good times, beach parties, and adulthood.
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