Self-Identity Formation

Question 1

Why are social identities important in adolescence especially? Cite studies.

Answer 1

Adolescents find comfort from stress and can better manage their emotions through identity (Santrock, 2001).
- Can help them feel belongingness/acceptance.

Sandhu et al. (2012)
- Achieved personal identity is linked to psychological wellbeing.

Adolescence is a time of change to self and environment, and thus identity is important as teens require to discover themselves as a person and where they fit in the social world (Erikson, 1968).
- Identity improves autonomy/stability.

Question 2

How do peers affect identity formation? Cite studies.

Answer 2

Tajfel & Turner’s Social Identity Theory (1979; 1986)
- Highlights how adolescents seek approval from others by achieving group memberships.
- Feel belongingness with their friends.

Social Comparison Theory (Festinger. 1954)
- Teens base opinions (of things, self ability, etc) on others’ thoughts.
- Identity manipulated by what is seen positive by others.
- Self worth, esteem can be based from what others think.

Question 3

What are some disadvantages for teens using Tajfel and Turner’s Social Identity Theory (1986; 1979)? Cite studies.

Answer 3

• Positive ingroup required or else bad influences to teens: seeking for identification may lead to joining gangs or deilnquent groups for status, respect, and belongingness (Goldman et al., 2014)
• Can result in group superiority and discrimination of outgroups (Tajfel & Turner, 1986) increases use of stereotypes.

Question 4

What is Upward and Downward social comparison? Cite the study in which this is from, and what are the negatives and positives of such.

Answer 4

Festinger (1954)

Upwards: Comparing ourselves with those who are ‘better’ than us, setting goals and achievements to improve ourselves (Collins, 1996)

Downwards: Comparing ourselves to those who are ‘worse’ off than us, helps us feel better about ourselves.

Question 5

What are some disadvantages for teens using Social Comparison? Cite studies.

Answer 5

• Social media leads to unrealistic comparisons with online material can distort teens perceptions by creating unrealistic expectations within the self and decrease mental health when these expectations are not met (Vidal et al., 2020).
• Upward comparison.

To counter this, interventions could highlight celebrating individual differences or minorities for inclusivity.

• Promote realistic comparisons between teens: perhaps one that has similar background to the teen, or upbringing.
• Promote achievable goals.

Question 6

What happens if teens have no peer influence? Cite studies.

Answer 6

Without peers, adolescents can enter social isolation, making them more vulnerable to problems (delinquency, drinking, depression).
Hops et al., 1997.

Important for identity development.

Question 7

What can be done to promote healthy identity formation in teens?

Answer 7

• Promote healthy habits in children.
• Stress management.
• Educate consequences of negative/delinquent behaviours.
• Avoid comparing teens with others, highlight individuality.
• Praise good behaviour.