1. Identity Development
Within Adolescence
Brijit & Nicole & Rebecca

2. Identity vs. Identity Crisis
Identity
a firm and coherent sense of
who you are, where you are
heading, and where you fit
into society.
ie: what career do I want, what
religious values should I
adopt, who am I as a sexual
being...
Identity Crisis
sense of confusion,
discomfort, and anxiety
that adolescents may feel as
they try and decide who
they are today and what
kind of person they should
become.

3. Identity Statuses
1. Identity Diffusion
individual has not yet
considered or resolved
identity issues and their
future.
2. Foreclosure
committed to an identity but
have done so without
experiencing a “crisis” of
deciding what really suits
them best.
ie: accepting what your
parents accept

4. Identity Statuses
3. Moratorium
“identity crisis”. actively
asking questions about life
commitments and seeking
answers.
4. Identity Achievement
have resolved their identity
issues by making personal
commitments to particular
goals, beliefs and values.

5. Culture & Self-Esteem
Collectivistic countries report lower self esteem.
➔ more interdependent.
➔ value humility and modesty & obtain self-worth from
contributing to the welfare of the group.
➔ acknowledge weaknesses and need for self improvement.

6. Ethnicity & Self Esteem
Less self esteem…
minorities become aware and experience ethnic stereotypes and
prejudice.
More self esteem…
have social support of friends and family, and are encouraged to
identify with and take pride in their ethnic group and cultural
traditions.

7. Identity Formation Among
Minorities
Ethnic Identity: a sense of belonging to an ethnic group and
committing to that group’s traditions or culture.
➔ identify with a group because of parent’s influence/ethnicity
➔ question ethnic identity due to stresses of stereotypes,
prejudices or even discrimination
➔ conflicts between values of their subculture and those of the
majority culture
➔ members of their subcultural communities discourage
identity exploration that clashes with their traditions
➔ bi-racial adolescents ie: must choose between minority and
majority ethnicity

8. Solutions For A Healthy
Identity Formation
➔ develop a strong bicultural identity and take pride in it
➔ parents being supportive and caring confidants
➔ preparing adolescents to deal with prejudices
➔ schools and communities can promote greater understanding
and acceptance

9. Adolescence & Disabilities
What do adolescents want?
➔ Desire same aspirations as those without disabilities
➔ Primary goal - Want to be happy
➔ To be treated as “mainstream” youth
➔ Given opportunities for success:
(transitioning to adulthood)
➔ Problem - prejudice, lack of skills & specific services

10. Adolescence -
Now & in the Future
➔ Now - little research on adolescence
➔ Future - lots of adult research conducted
◆ adult research - learn what adolescents face in future
◆ adolescence with disabilities - face same struggles as
adults

11. Adolescence -
Struggle with Disabilities
Based on adult research:
Adolescents face the following obstacles -
➔ issues with self-esteem
➔ issues with self-concept
➔ less success than able-bodied peers
➔ less friendships
➔ less social networks
➔ lack independence from family home

12. Adolescents & Disabilities -
how can we help?
➔
➔ First things first - youth are youth before any label!
➔ Listen to them- what are their concerns/needs?
➔ Eliminate barriers - physical, social and institutional
◆ educating others: create comfortable environment
◆ partnerships: rehab & community groups

13. Adolescence & Disability -
Discrimination Prevention
State and Federal Laws
➔ Title IV and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
➔ Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 –
(protect students from sex-based harassment)
➔ Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
➔ Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA)
➔ Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

14. Youth & Religion
National study on youth and religion -
(by Melinda Lundquist Denton, Lisa D. Pearce, and Christian Smith)
-
★ emotional support
★ moral guidance = family cohesion
★ exposure to trustworthy adult mentors
★ peers - reinforce parental values
★ foster prosocial identities
★ overall, promote healthy development

15. Adolescent Health & Religion
Study conducted between 1999 - 2000 on adolescents
(by John M. Wallace Jr., PhD, Baylor University)
★ Study conducted in 135 schools -
★ about 4,000 surveys answered by students ages 13-17 yrs
★ religious youth - avoid behaviors affecting health
(e.g., carrying weapons, getting into fights, drinking and driving)
★ youth want to enrich their health
(e.g., proper nutrition, exercise, and rest)
★ further research: 300+ studies document a positive
association between religion and physical health

16. Adolescence & Religion
Benefits of Religious Institutions -
★ emotional support
★ moral guidance = family cohesion
★ exposure to trustworthy adult mentors
★ peers - reinforce parental values
★ foster prosocial identities
★ overall, promote healthy development

17. Work Cited
Denton, Melinda L., Lisa D. Pearce, and Christian Smith. "Religion and Spirituality On the Path Through Adolescence."
National Study of Youth and Religion. University of Notre Dame, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2013.
<http://www.youthandreligion.org/>.
SHAFFER, David. Social and Personality Development. Sixth ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Pub., 2009. Print.
"Teens with Disabilities." Children with Special Needs. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2013.
<http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33519.asp>.
Wallace, John M., Jr. "Is Religion Good for Adolescent Health?" Diss. University of Pittsburg, 2002. Abstract. (n.d.): n. pag.
Print.