The formation of one’s identity is the major characteristic of adolescent development. The identity formation process involves progressive changes from the time one is born to a level when one attains stability in their identity (Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx & Meeus, 2007). These changes are assessed in three dimensions; exploration, commitment, and reconsideration. The exploration dimension involves a period when one is trying to experience and experiment alternative domains to form an identity (Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx & Meeus, 2007). After one has made a choice on the alternatives, they implement the best alternative by making a commitment to the chosen domains. Faced with changes in one's environment and relations, one may reconsider the domains that define their identity and adapt accordingly (Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx & Meeus, 2007).
There exist four identity statuses, based on the three dimension changes; achievement, foreclosure, moratorium and diffusion Achievement adolescents have strong identity commitments (Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx & Meeus, 2007). Foreclosure adolescents have strong commitments based on limited alternatives. Moratorium refers to adolescents’ active exploration of different alternatives without strong current commitments. Diffusion adolescents have a weak sense of commitment (Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx & Meeus, 2007).
Adolescent development is mainly influenced by relational, personality and psychosocial factors. Adolescents with healthy personalities like being open to new experiences and conscientious possess the achievement status (Klimstra, Hale III, Raaijmakers, Branje & Meeus, 2009). In relationships where parenting is characterized by high trust and communication, adolescents tend to have a higher self-esteem and life satisfaction (Milevsky, Schlechter, Netter & Keehn, 2006). However, the moratorium status is dominant in an adolescent with psychosocial problems which are normally carefree, anxious, depressed and aggressive (Klimstra, Hale III, Raaijmakers, Branje & Meeus, 2009). Additionally, the cultures in which individuals are raised partly guide one’s adolescent status. Adolescents belonging to a minority ethnic group are faced with a challenge of acculturation. They have to develop their identity and evaluate their cultural values together with the values of the majority. Therefore, cultural differences force one to consider and reconsider diverse identity choices (Klimstra, Hale III, Raaijmakers, Branje & Meeus, 2009).This knowledge can be a counselor to identify and understand patients’ unique needs based on their adolescent status, hence helping them as individuals to make informed life decisions.
References
Crocetti, E., Rubini, M., Luyckx, K., & Meeus, W. (2007). Identity Formation in Early and Middle Adolescents From Various Ethnic Groups: From Three Dimensions to Five Statuses. J Youth Adolescence, 37(8), 983-996. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10964-007-9222-2
Klimstra, T., Hale III, W., Raaijmakers, Q., Branje, S., & Meeus, W. (2009). Identity Formation in Adolescence: Change or Stability?. J Youth Adolescence, 39(2), 150-162. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10964-009-9401-4
Milevsky, A., Schlechter, M., Netter, S., & Keehn, D. (2006). Maternal and Paternal Parenting Styles in Adolescents: Associations with Self-Esteem, Depression and Life-Satisfaction. Journal Of Child And Family Studies, 16(1), 39-47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-006-9066-5
