![]() Identification with a delinquent peer group is a predictor of physical and relationship aggression ( Pokhrel, Sussman, Black, & Sun, 2010). This may be so as, adolescents may seek to conform to behavioural norms of the peer group with, which they identify themselves with ( Stewart-Knox et al., 2005). If adolescents are unable to resist peer pressure and negative influences, they may be more prone to delinquent behaviour or use of psychoactive substances. It is also related with less internal and external problems regardless of adolescent’ sex, age and family structure characteristics ( Newman, Lohman, & Newman, 2007). Research has shown that peer group acceptance and good relationships work as protecting factors against social anxiety and depression ( La Greca, & Harrison, 2005). Research has shown that belonging to the “normal” - or - popular peer group is positively associated with better adolescent adaptation to the environment ( Heaven, Ciarrochi, & Cechaviciute, 2005). Although relationships with parents are still relevant for adolescents ( Eckstein, Rasmussen, & Wittschen, 1999), relationships with peers become the centre of adolescents’ life ( Tarrant, 2002). Similarly, relationships with peers are also associated with better mental health of adolescents and his/her successful adaptation to the environment ( La Greca & Harrison, 2005 Yeung & Leadbeater, 2010). Achieved identity is also related to psychological well-being ( Sandhu, Singh, Tung & Kundra, 2012), emotional adjustment ( Dumas et al., 2009), and greater emotional stability ( Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx, & Meeus, 2008). Achieved identity is associated with a lower expression of psychosomatic and neurotic symptoms ( Chen et al., 2007), and reduced anxiety ( Crocetti, Klimstra, Keijsers, Hale, & Meeus, 2009), depression and suicidal tendencies ( Ramgoon, Bachoo, Patel, & Wig, 2006). role confusion crisis enables a person to integrate self-perception images into a stable personal identity, as well as strengthen performance of different roles and assumed commitments ( Erikson, 1968). For these reasons identity definition based on Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development was used in this study.īoth, the high-quality and satisfying relationships with other people ( Walsh, Harel-Fisch, & Fogel-Grinvalds, 2010) and the formed sense of identity ( Dumas, Lawford, Tieu, & Pratt, 2009) are associated with better adolescent’ mental health and psychological well-being. Moreover, Erikson’s concept of identity was particularly focused on adolescents’ development. ![]() ![]() Identity provides a sense of continuity within the self and in interaction with others (“self-sameness”), as well as a frame to differentiate between self and others (“uniqueness”) which allows the individual to function autonomously from others ( Erikson, 1968). He described identity as a fundamental organizing principal which develops constantly throughout the lifespan. The most general and broad concept of identity is proposed by Erikson (1968). Identity theory developed by Stryker (1968 as cited in Adamsons & Pasley, 2013) focuses on the individual’s integration of societal expectations regarding the meaning of occupying particular social positions or statuses (for example, parent, spouse, employee) and the behavioural expectations associated with such statuses. Others propose that identity in general is nothing other than the answer to the question: “who am I?” ( Motyl, 2010). According to Berzonsky’s social-cognitive theory of identity styles (1988 as cited in Guardia, 2009), identity is the cognitive model of how persons process and examines identity relevant information. ![]() Identity is expressed through self-realizing activities which person feels as self-defining or fitting, engaging, energizing, purposeful, and helpful in fulfilling his/her goals of life. For example, Waterman (1993 as cited in Guardia, 2009) believed that identity reflects a person’s best potential which is self-realizing. Various theories exist that try to define the concept of identity. According to Erikson (1968), the main and most important developmental tasks for adolescents are to solve the identity versus role confusion crisis, construct their own unique sense of identity, and find the social environment where they can belong to and create meaningful relationships with other people ( Chen, Lay, Wu, & Yao, 2007). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |