In the journey from childhood to adulthood, teenagers often find themselves exploring their identities amidst uncertainty, curiosity, fun, excitement, and sometimes confusion. Therefore, caregivers should gradually understand the processes behind the confusion in the search for adolescent identity to support and guide them through this period of change in the best way possible
Why do teenagers feel confused about themselves?
Adolescence is a period of profound physical and psychological change, which often makes teenagers feel self-conscious and uncertain about their naturally occurring changes. As teenagers strive to define themselves, they may experiment with various personalities, interests, values, and beliefs. Thus, the values and beliefs passed down by parents and caregivers during childhood are now placed alongside those they receive from friends, social media, and their own evolving feelings for comparison in their minds. This process indicates that their exploration of identity can be filled with conflicting inner messages, leading to confusion.
Does pressure cause teenagers to become confused?
One significant cause of identity confusion in teenagers is the pressure to conform to social norms and expectations. As our world becomes more interconnected, teenagers may be continuously bombarded with idealized images and narratives through social media, advertising, and popular culture. These depictions often present unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness, leading teenagers to feel inadequate or disconnected from their true selves, thus undermining their self-confidence, self-love, and self-respect.
How complex is the process of forming adolescent identity?
The process of forming identity is naturally complex and multidimensional because it is influenced by various factors, including family relationships, cultural background, and personal experiences. Teenagers may face questions related to race, religion, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic status as they explore their identities within diverse social contexts. This internal struggle may manifest as confusion, anxiety, or an identity crisis about who they are. When teenagers try to balance their individuality with external expectations, the hallmark of identity exploration and striving for balance includes questioning themselves, those around them, and society. Thus, questioning identity is beneficial because it opens channels of communication and connection between teenagers and their surroundings.
What is an adolescent identity crisis?
Clinical and developmental psychologist James Marcia , who expanded on Erik Erikson’s theory of Psychosocial Development and was one of the first to affirm that identity crisis (Identity Crisis) is essential in forming an adolescent’s identity, created a model to understand adolescent identity exploration. Marcia explained that as teenagers embark on their journey to develop their identity, they are expected to make decisions and commit to various choices within the boundaries of their social context, which may lead them to face an identity crisis
How many types of identity states are there for teenagers?
Teenage identity crisis forces teenagers to start examining choices that were either made or possibly chosen by parents and society, and explore different preferences and identities (Exploration) and commitment to create their own identity (Commitment) . According to James Marcia, teenagers can exist in one of four identity states as follows:
- Identity Confusion/Diffusion refers to not exploring or experimenting with any choices at all (Low Exploration) and not committing to anything (Low Commitment)
- Identity Foreclosure refers to not exploring or experimenting with any choices (Low Exploration) and being committed to a path already chosen (High Commitment)
- Identity Moratorium refers to being in the process of exploring and experimenting with different choices (High Exploration) and not committing to any specific one (Low Commitment)
- Identity Accomplishment refers to having explored and experimented with different choices (High Exploration) and committing to an identity (High Commitment)
Is identity confusion in teenagers normal?
As parents, it is crucial to recognize that identity confusion is a normal and necessary aspect of adolescent development. Rather than ignoring or dismissing their experiences, caregivers can create a supportive environment that allows teenagers to explore and express their true selves. This can begin with promoting open communication, listening attentively to each other, and reflecting on their feelings and experiences without judgment. Since teenagers may take time to explore and make commitments, regardless of the identity state they are in, they should not feel judged whether their identity is right or wrong but instead have the opportunity to understand their feelings with the support of caregivers. This helps them build confidence in exploring, experimenting, and asking meaningful questions.
How can open-ended questions help parents support identity?
Caregivers can encourage self-reflection and self-awareness by asking open-ended questions and engaging in meaningful conversations about identity, values, and beliefs. By encouraging teenagers to express their thoughts and feelings, caregivers can help them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and where they are. Additionally, caregivers can model acceptance and respect for diverse identities within their family and the wider community. By accepting differences and attitudes, caregivers can encourage teenagers to embrace their unique identities and accept and celebrate the diversity of others. This will instill a sense of security in teenagers when they see that their caregivers are open to accepting diverse identities in society.
What problems can arise if teenagers are confused about their identity?
It is important for caregivers to recognize that when teenagers are confused about their identity, it may signal more significant underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, or discrimination based on identity, which can affect their well-being and daily life. In such cases, seeking help from therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide teenagers with the tools and resources necessary to effectively cope with these challenges.
How important is parental guidance?
Good guidance from caregivers is what teenagers need the most during their search for identity because the part of the brain that controls executive functions, such as management, planning, self-regulation, and decision-making—namely the prefrontal cortex—still needs considerable time to fully develop from adolescence into early adulthood. Thus, a strong relationship with caregivers provides teenagers with emotional security and builds resilience to support good decision-making when faced with the complexities of their social age context. This helps instill self-love, self-respect, and respect for others in teenagers.
In conclusion, identity confusion in teenagers is a natural, complex, and necessary process that requires understanding, acceptance, and support from caregivers. By fostering an accepting, safe, and non-judgmental environment, caregivers can encourage teenagers to explore, accept, and respect their true selves, ultimately leading them to self-discovery and personal fulfillment in adulthood.
Adolescent mental health care specialists
Dr. Skultip Sirikantraporn Clinical Psychologist, Bangkok Hospital
Adolescent mental health care hospitals
Jit Raks Center, Bangkok Hospital, is ready to care for all teenage mental health issues transitioning into maturity, ensuring they live happily and age-appropriately every day.
References
- Beyers, W. & Goossens, L. (2008). Dynamics of perceived parenting and identity formation in late adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 31 (2), 165-184.
- Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of ego-identity status. Journal of personality and social psychology, 3(5), 551.
- Marcia, J. E. (1980). Identity in adolescence. Handbook of adolescent psychology, 9(11), 159-187.
