Adolescent Identity Exploration A Test of Erikson

Adolescent Identity Exploration: A Test of Erikson’s Theory of Transitional Crisis Kidwell, Dunham, and Richard (1995) investigated Erikson’s theory that adolescent identity exploration is associated with a variety of symptoms, such as fluctuations in ego strength, mood swings, rebelliousness, and heightened physical symptoms. They sampled a total of 82 high school students (43 males, 39 females) between the ages of 14 and 17. These students were academically superior high school students who attended the Florida State University Summer Science and Mathematics Camp during the summers of 1988 (30 students) and 1989 (52 students). The minimum requirements for admission to the program included percentile ranks of 90 or more on standardized†¦show more content†¦This may imply that the exploration process may be encouraged by the exposure to the new and different environment. The adolescent may likely to be experiencing a need to explore and learn about the new set ting they are in. This may lead to confusion and uncertainties which may result in the skewed results of the study. When Erikson developed his theory, he suggested that males and females move through the identity versus identity confusion period differently. He argued that males are more likely to proceed through the social development stages in order, developing a stable identity before committing to an intimate relationship with another person. In contrast, he suggested that females reverse the order, seeking intimate relationships and then defining their identities through these relationships (Feldman, 2003). These ideas should be considered by the researchers when designing this study. Gender differences in identity formation should be explored. This also suggests that Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development may not always progress in the order he proposed. Despite the limitations, Erikson’s theory had a great deal of popular appeal, as he shifted the focus aw ay from the more psychosexual emphasis of Freud’s toward a more psychosocial focus. Erikson elaborated on Freud’s stages of development. Whereas Freud emphasized on early childhood, Erikson suggested thatShow MoreRelatedApplication Paper : Mean Girls1447 Words   |  6 Pagesconflict described by Erikson of Ego Identity vs. Role Confusion. The formation of an identity is critical for an adolescent, as it defines who they will be (Berk, 2014b). Cady faces an identity crisis after her exposure to the Plastics, as she oscillates between different personalities. This exploration also highlights Cady’s status of identity as moratorium; with low commitment to a certain value, but accompanied by exploration of different options (Berk, 2014b). 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