Owning One’s Story:
Understanding and Strengthen the Self
Adolescence is the period of transition between the onset of puberty and adulthood. Developmental
psychologists often subdivide the stage into early adolescence (ages 10–13), middle adolescence (14–17), and late
adolescence (18–21) (Higley 2019; Curtis 2015).
In this perspective, adolescents are not yet fully committed to one path of relationships and independence,
but they are exploring possibilities in career, relationships, and identity. This transition between adolescence and early
adulthood is known as “emerging adulthood” (Arnett 2000).
Puberty- Child’s body changes > 12 years old.
Hormone changes
Adolescences- between childhood > adulthood > develop emotional, social and emotional changes.
Develop their identity, independent, learn adult responsibility.
e.g. 15 years old learning to make decisions, manage friendship and prepare for future goals.
Adulthood- stage of fully growth and takes on adult responsibilities.
Generally expected to work, make major life decisions and care for themselves.
e.g. 25 years old with job paying bills, making independent choices.
Puberty Focuses On:
Physical changes
Usually occurs around 9–14 years old
A process, not a life stage
Adolescence
Physical, Emotional, Social, and Mental Development
Examples:
Developing interests and values
Wanting more independence from parents
Forming strong friendships
Thinking more seriously about the future
Adulthood
Maturity and Responsibility
Considered physically mature
Examples:
Career or job
Managing finances
Making independent life decisions
Taking responsibility for oneself and sometimes others
(AGES 12–18 YEARS OLD) IS IDENTITY VERSUS ROLE CONFUSION.
Often asking themselves questions such as “Who am I?” and “Where do I fit in?”
Building on Erikson’s work, psychologist James Marcia (1966) identified four different identity statuses that adolescents
may experience on the path toward establishing a stable identity.
1. Identity Diffusion
Identity diffusion involves low commitment and low exploration, meaning the adolescent has not yet made
decisions about their values, beliefs, or career path and is not actively exploring alternatives.
2. Identity Foreclosure
Identity foreclosure is characterized by high commitment without exploration of other options. For example,
an adolescent who adopts a career or belief system expected by their parents.
3. Identity Moratorium
Identity moratorium refers to high exploration but low commitment. Individuals in this status are actively
questioning and exploring different identities.
4. Identity Achievement
Identity achievement occurs when an adolescent has both explored alternatives and made commitments to
specific values, beliefs, or goals, leading to a more stable sense of identity.
INTIMACY VERSUS ISOLATION
During this stage, individuals seek to form close, meaningful relationships.
1. Developing a Positive Self-Concept and Identity
Adolescents face the crucial developmental task of identity formation. During this period, they answer the
question: “Who am I?” by clarifying values, beliefs, personality traits, interests, and aspirations. (Erikson 1968; Rageliene
et al. 2016).
2. Developing Emotional Maturity and Self-Regulation
Adolescence often involves a wide range of emotional experiences. Part of becoming an adult is gaining
emotional stability, which involves managing feelings in healthy ways. Emotional self-regulation involves recognizing
one’s emotions, understanding the triggers, and choosing responses that are constructive rather than reactive. (Herd et
al. 2020; Silvers et al. 2022).
3. Achieving Independence from Parents and Family
In late adolescence, individuals begin to seek greater autonomy, making more of their own decisions, such as
choices about classes, friends, or daily routines, and shouldering more responsibilities at home or school. (Wray-Lake,
Crouter, and McHale 2010; Beyers, Soenens, and Vansteenkiste 2024).
4. Forming and Maintaining Healthy Relationships
During adolescence, friendships deepen, and peer relationships become increasingly important. As
adolescents grow attached to peers and learn to navigate social groups in ways that shape their identity (Rageliene et al.
2016; Laursen 2021).
5. Establishing and Pursuing Educational or Career Goals
Late adolescence is a time for academic achievement and career exploration. One developmental task is to
finish high school and make plans for the future—higher education, vocational training, or entering employment (Parola
et al. 2024; Chen et al. 2021; Porteli et al. 2019).