“Adolescence is when the worst and the best impulse in the human soul struggle against each other for possession.” – G. Stanley Hall
Puberty is a time-period of rapid physiological changes (involving hormonal and other bodily changes). Changes are not limited to body it involves ever changing interests and desires, sexual maturity, increased energy and rebellious behaviour.
Adolescent needs can be laid down in following three categories:
- Need to stand out: This refers to establishing an identity of your own, be independent and autonomous.
- Need to fit in: To gain validation, acceptance and sense of belongingness among their peers.
- Need to achieve: To gain skills, polish their abilities and shine on academic or professional front.
According to Erik Ericson, individuals in teenage distant themselves from parents in order to establish their own identity. It is seen that adolescents engage in risk-taking and pleasure seeking behaviours to fulfil these needs. A lot of self exploration in terms of gender, sexual orientation, beliefs and ethnicity are common during adolescence. Autonomy is closely linked with identity formation as when one takes responsibility of his/her own actions they tend to develop healthy identity.
Common issues that interfere with identity establishment
- Peer pressure
- Academic stress
- Parental expectations
- Competitive environment
- Future concerns
- Friendships and Relationships
- Societal standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity crisis are developmental occurrences in which a person begins to doubt their perception of themselves or their role in the world.
Yes, there is a strong connection between identity crisis and self-confidence. Identity crisis often leads to low self-confidence.
An identity crisis can affect anybody, of any age, at anytime in their life, despite commonly being assumed to occur at specific ages (for example, in adolescents or during "midlife crises").
An individual who lacks a feeling of identity may instead experience a sense of disconnection from their past selves and/or lack of anticipation for their future selves.
You can reach out to a mental health professional who can help you to develop skills to become self-aware.
A qualified mental health professional can help in dealing with an identity crisis.
- Maintain an open mind.
- Be aware of your advantages and disadvantages.
- Stay concentrated.
- Set limitations.
- Understand your emotional triggers.
- Accept your instincts.
- Exercise self-control.
The lack of necessary support in your upbringing circumstances is regarded to be the root of an identity problem. An unstable personality is not something you are born with.