In adolescence, usually we see changes in our friends and ourselves, from physical appearance, interests, socialization, to even life principles. This phenomenon is natural. At this age, we are in the search for self-discovery. In psychology, the process of self-discovery is highly researched. So, what are some interesting things that we should know? Well, let us check out more in this article.
What is Identity?
Identity is the subjective view we have of ourselves. Identity is how we define ourselves in certain aspects, such as our values, our beliefs, our personality, and other aspects. Generally, identities that have been formed tend to be stable and unique, where no two people have the exact same identity.
Identity vs. Role Confusion
You may know about Erikson’s 8 Psychosocial Stages. This theory describes the stages of development that each person goes through as they grow throughout their lives. Each stage has its own challenges. Each individual must successfully navigate these challenges to grow optimally.
Identity vs. role confusion is the fifth stage which is usually experienced by teenagers aged 12-18 years. At this stage, teenagers are aggressively exploring to find their true selves. Therefore, it is not uncommon for drastic changes from teenagers to be found in this phase. At this stage, teenagers ask almost everything about themselves, from their physical appearance, choices regarding romantic relationships, education, work, personality, and many other things.
The challenge they must resolve is to discover their identity and feel comfortable with it. If they can complete this challenge, it will lead to the formation of a strong and stable identity throughout life. Meanwhile, failure in this stage will lead to an identity crisis or role confusion. The teenagers with identity crisis:
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- They have a weak sense of identity, so are easily influenced by external factors.
- They will find it difficult to explain themselves to others.
- They will feel unsure of themselves.
- They will feel disappointed and confused about his/her place in life.
Remember that identity crisis or role confusion can occur if individuals are not allowed to explore their own world from a young age. In other words, the parents or environments that are too restrictive and directive without giving space for independent exploration are more prone to producing teenagers with identity crises.
How is Our Identity Formed?
By the way, how is our identity formed? For your information, identity is formed from a combination of internal factors (genetics, personality, etc.) and external (home, school, people, etc.) factors. Usually, an adolescent’s identity develops when they try on different roles in different environments such as home, school, and neighborhood. This provides a change to explore their own values, beliefs, ethics, spirituality and sexuality. According to Erikson, adolescents’ experimentation with different roles, activities, and behaviors is important to form a strong identity.
4 Types of Identity Styles
Based on the research, in psychology, there are 4 common types of identity styles that teenagers go through in their self-discovery process.
- Diffusion
The first type of identity style is diffusion. This style describes teenagers who neither explore nor commit to an identity. This period is commonly experienced by the children who have not yet entered adolescence or early adolescence, due to low awareness and little experience with identity exploration. Generally, teenagers will move out of this diffusion period when they are confronted with a wide range of choices and experiences that provide opportunities for self-exploration. Those who remain in this period may drift aimlessly and have little connection to their surroundings. Also, they tend to be easily influenced, have low self-esteem and have few meaningful friendships in life.
- Foreclosure
Foreclosure identity style is owned by teenagers who commit to an identity without doing self-exploration. This is commonly experienced by teenagers who experience pressure from the surrounding environment, including expectations from family or local culture. It is not uncommon for those with identity foreclosure style to feel anxious regarding the uncertainty and changes that occur in adolescence, so they immediately commit to one identity without exploring other possibilities into their comfort zone.
Like the previous identity styles, teenagers will come out of the foreclosure phase when they have the chance to explore their options in life. But sometimes this phase persists into adulthood. This can occur if parents always make decisions for their children without giving them the chance to make their own choices. Teenagers who have been in identity foreclosure for too long, they tend to have low tolerance levels and difficulty dealing with change. They are more comfortable being followers, and have parents with authoritarian parenting styles.
- Moratorium
Teenagers with the Moratorium identity style are actively exploring themselves without committing to one identity. This phase is often experienced when teenagers are in school or college, because it is in this environment that they meet many new people and are faced with various choices in life. In this phase, many questions about identity arise. As many questions arise and few are answered, this phase creates anxiety for teenagers. Thus, it is normal for them to be rebellious, and uncertain about their choices in this phase.
- Achievement
Ideally, achievement identity style is formed after teenagers are in the moratorium phase. Teenagers who have done self-exploration, found their life purpose, and are ready to commit to that identity are declared to be in the identity achievement phase. Those who have reached the achievement phase, they will feel self-acceptance, have a stable identity, and are committed to that identity.
Why is having an Identity Important?
So, why is having an identity important? Need to know, committing to an identity will make teenagers feel confident and more responsible for the choices in their lives. Also, they will feel more in control of their lives because of the confidence and clarity which comes from that identity. But it is also crucial to realize that human life is not static. There are times when we ask our identity as we age and experience life. Probably, this self-discovery does not stop at teenagers. There are times when individuals return to the cycle of diffusion, foreclosure, and moratorium in life after teenagers until finally returning to achievement status again.
What to Do When Facing an Identity Crisis?
There are some practical tips that you can do when facing this crisis.
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- Explore your interests and talents.
Exploring your interests and talents is one great way to know yourself better. - Consider your goals.
An identity crisis could be a sign that you have unmet needs. Knowing what your goals are in life is the first step to fulfilling those needs. - Get close to your support system.
Identity crisis is a crucial time where you are vulnerable to outside influences. Therefore, it is important to get close to people who really care about your goodness so that you don’t go wrong and stay on the right and right path.
- Explore your interests and talents.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
