The construction of identity in adolescence

(This image is taken fron the site: http://privilegeofparenting.com/2009/12/20/searching-for-your-true-self-check-out-your-kindergarten-pictures)

Identity is what allows the individual to feel the same person in space and time. It embraces the self-knowledge and the experience gained about themselves (Sbattella, Castles, Pines, 2015).

Erikson is one of the authors who studied in greater depth the process of construction of identity in adolescence. He believed that the identity was a psychosocial phenomenon. This phenomenon includes various aspects, such as biological, cultural, organizational and personal experience.

The psychologist Marcia has developed a model that is based on various states of identity. According to Marcia exist four states of identity. They are the acquisition, the moratorium, blocking and dissemination (Sbattella, Castles, Pines, 2015).

In the state of acquisition teen has explored various alternatives available and implemented specific commitments.

In the phase of the moratorium, however, the teenager is still in the exploratory phase. Therefore, the commitment has not yet reached the maximum level.

The young man who is in the state of the block has taken on many commitments without having adequately explored the possibilities.

The guy who is in the state of diffusion, finally, has entered into a reduced exploration. His level of commitment is low.

The prospect of Coleman is called focal model of adolescence. The author believes that the young man in question has to deal with the problems of acceptance of the bodily self, the separation from family and acceptance by the group. The teenager is able to solve these problems if they arise in succession. If these problems occur together, however, the adolescent may experience psychological disorders.