Erikson's Identity Crisis Essay

Identity Crisis is a fundamental step in finding out a person’s sense of direction and belongingness. An adolescent who are equipped with a proper sense of identity may find it easier to transition from puberty to adulthood. It can be both psychological and social. A young person must somehow identify himself with the community he belongs to.
Personally, I have undergone the same experience with identifying myself to a particular group. In my school before, there are particular cliques and school organization that makes a sense of belongingness of that person. In school, there are different groups. There are school jocks, cheerleaders, nerds, punks and leaders. Sometimes it is very hard to identify yourself to anyone of them and you feel like an outcast in that environment. In order to feel accepted, there is that pressure of choosing and wanting to join any of those groups. In a way, it would be easier for me to identify myself if I choose any one of those groups. The negative part of this identity crisis is the emotional highs and lows of the process. You may force yourself into something that you are not in order just to belong in a group. The groups could start influencing you in a positive or negative way. In my case, I tried to group first in a wrong set of people and regret having to do things beyond my will. But, once I realized that it is not worthwhile to continue identifying myself with that kind of lifestyle. I began to explore more positive options. Things that are essential and more beneficial for my personal growth and development. It may be easier to find a group in order to explore yourself, but it is far deeper if you start to do it on your own first. I have developed a wider understanding about myself, my aspiration, my dreams and goals in life because of that. It may also be hard to undergo an identity crisis, but it is crucial in finding my place in the society.
In essence, identity crisis may either make or break a person’s character. Finding who you are may or may not be a pleasant road to take but it is essential that you understand what matters to you the most. It triggers your own purpose in life.