This document discusses several topics related to social and personality development in adolescence including identity formation, self-concept, relationships with peers and family, sexuality, dating, and risk-taking behaviors. Key aspects addressed are Erikson's psychosocial stages of identity vs role confusion, influences on self-esteem, types of peer groups, causes of juvenile delinquency, trends in adolescent sexual behavior, factors affecting teen pregnancy rates, and sexual orientation identity development.
6. D. James Marcia
Four categories
Either a Crisis (exploration) or a Commitment (decision)
12-6
7. E. Identity, Race & Ethnicity
Cultural assimilation model: identities
should be assimilated; “melting pot”
Pluralistic society model: diverse, coequal
cultural groups; “tossed salad”
Bicultural identity: can draw from own
culture and integrate into dominant
•Stress related to:
–Language
–Support network
–Family obligations (work)
–Change in SES
–Acculturation
12-7
8. The Generation Gap
“Generation Gap” is largely a myth.
E.g., on social, political, and religious issues.
The difference in values between teens is greater
w/parents.
Most parents and teens get along well.
Conduct more than values
Most teenagers have stable family relationships; ~20
percent have a rough time.
12-8
9. Nevertheless, an adolescent’s push for autonomy
and responsibility puzzles and angers many
parents
What to do as the adolescent pushes for
autonomy?
< “Storm and stress”
< Supportive; moderate conflict can serve dev’l need
12-9
11. Cliques and Crowds
Stereotypes ?
Cliques > [text] ~2 to 12 people;
frequent interaction; usu same sex
• Crowds > larger groups share some
characteristics; less personal; based
on reputation.
• Strong expectations that people in a
particular crowd behave in specific
ways. (A self-fulfilling prophecy?)
• Less impt by end of adolescence
12-11
12. Juvenile Delinquency: The Crimes of Adolescence
• Undersocialized Delinquents
– Family discord; inconsistent discipline
– Relatively aggressive and violent early in life
– Rejected status
– Higher incidence of ADHD
– Usually less intelligent than average
– High recidivism
• Socialized Delinquents
– Influenced by group
– Criminal behavior more often committed with group
– Crimes comparatively minor
3:1 male:female in juvie courts
12-12
13. Dating, Sexual Behavior, and Teen Pregnancy
• Dating
– Age?
– How much freedom?
– Roles (I.D.)?
• What is “hooking up?”
Those who date are more likely to be:
accepted by peers
perceived as more physically attractive
Early dating and hooking up is associated with adolescent
pregnancy and problems at home and school
12-13
14. Adolescent Sexuality
• Curiosity, exploration; experimentation
• Media influence?
• Tied to ID
• Skills to avoid undesirable consequences
• Gender/orientation
• Developing new forms of intimacy
12-14
16. Timing of Adolescent
Sexuality
How do you know if ready?
Early sexual activity > linked
with risky behaviors: drug use,
delinquency, school problems
Low parental monitoring >
linked with early sex, more
partners, less condom use
Oral sex > heavier drinkers,
perception of peer approval;
often recreational
12-16
18. Sex
• Intercourse
– Ages for sexual intercourse have been declining.
– ~20% have had sex before the age of 15, 80 percent at 21.
– Numbers postponing sex is rising.
• “Outercourse”
• Oral Sex
– Increase in last 10-15 yrs
– Is it sex? Still virgin?
– Perception that it is likely to be safer
12-18
20. Teen Pregnancy
• Teen pregnancy rate is declining
across all ethnic groups in U.S.
[next].
• Still higher in U.S. than in other
industrialized countries.
• Teenage mothers do not fare well:
– Poor health
• Increased neurological problems,
childhood illness; low birth wt.
– Poor school performance
– Cycle of poverty
12-20
22. Teen Pregnancy
• Key factors in preventing/breaking the poverty-pregnancy
cycle are:
– Completing high school
– Postponing future births
– Education
– Supportive family
12-22
23. Sexual Orientation
• Same-sex encounters:
• Females: 11% of 18 - 44 in 2005; 4% 18 - 59 in 1994)
• Males: 6% of those less than 30
• Far fewer numbers become exclusive; 1 to 4 percent.
12-23
