Identity Development Within Adolescence

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. A dolescence & Disabilities What do adolescents want? D esire 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. A dolescence - Struggle with Disabilities Based on adult research: A dolescents 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. A dolescents & 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.