Identity crisis, self-conflict that can be experienced by all ages

Adolescence is a transitional period experienced by children when they are moving towards maturity. In a development involving this emotion, it is possible that he will question his values ​​and life goals. To understand better, see the full review below.

What is an identity crisis in adolescents?

The term identity crisis or identity crisis first popularized by a psychoanalyst and developmental psychologist, named Erik Erikson.

The theory of the identity crisis was born because Erikson believed that it was a personality problem that many people faced in their life.

Have you or even your child asked yourself a question about, “Who am I really? "What is my purpose in life? "What benefits can I give in life?"

The process of forming an identity in adolescents is an important part of a person's life. Moreover, identities will continue to develop and change as long as they face new conditions, situations, and challenges.

In the stage of adolescent development, an identity crisis in adolescents is a conflict within oneself that can arise in life.

Chances are, this will make the child think and relate to the existence of the life that is being lived.

Quoted from the Turkish Journal of Pediatrics, adolescence is a time when children feel erratic mood swings. Therefore, the sensitivity to face something is quite high.

In fact, it's normal to have questions about existence and importance in life.

However, when these questions have started to enter and affect the mind and life, it is a sign that he has experienced an identity crisis in adolescents.

Does the youth identity crisis have any traits?

Unlike appendicitis, flu, or migraines which have their own characteristics and characteristics, this personality crisis regarding identity is not the case.

However, there are several things that are often the main key clues to the identity crisis in adolescents, namely:

• Always questioning who they are which then ends with various aspects of life.
• Questions cover school issues, sexual interests, partners, family, beliefs, and so on.
• It may have an impact on how teens see themselves.
• Have or even often experience inner conflicts because of these questions.
• There are major changes that consciously or unconsciously affect feelings and personal life.
• These questions encourage youth to find out more about the meaning and purpose of life.

In everyday life, there may be things that children think about and are confused about what to do. So you as a parent need a role to be on the side of the child to be there when a crisis occurs.

However, this personality problem often results in other effects. For example, from stress to prolonged depression in adolescents for some children.

Why does an identity crisis in adolescents occur?

There are many opinions that say that inner conflicts related to identity and life are usually present in the adolescent and middle age groups. In fact, that's not all.

This personality problem can happen to anyone, regardless of age and background in life.

Adolescence is a transition which is arguably quite crucial because there are various things to learn. It starts at puberty so there are physical changes.

There is a chance that the child will feel uncomfortable or or not confident about it. Moreover, if he does not face a good adaptation period, there could be an early stage of an identity crisis in adolescents.

The majority of the causes of identity crises in adolescents come from life pressures, resulting in stress and depression.

Things that can trigger an identity crisis that parents need to know are:

• Academic problems
• Social pressure
• Parental divorce
• Experiencing a traumatic event
• Losing a loved one
• Loss of a job
• Another profound problem

Almost all of these problems more or less can have an impact on everyday life. Including can influence the way teenagers see and judge themselves.

Identity crisis stages

Not only Erikson, there is also the theorist James Marcia who expanded the concept of an identity crisis. He believes that the identity crisis, including adolescents, is an emotional upheaval.

However, it should be understood again that the four phases of Marcia do not assume that every teenager will go through every crisis.

There are also teenagers who only pass one or two identities because of the evaluation and understanding that has occurred.

• Diffusion. Occurs when adolescents feel that there is no need for any commitment or identity in their life.
• Forclosure. Occurs when adolescents feel confident so they do not explore other identities further.
• Morotary. Teens are actively exploring identity but have not yet determined what they want.
• Achievement. When adolescents have gone through the exploration stage and have determined their identity.

What is the solution if you experience an identity crisis?

Parents need to know that the main key when a child experiences an identity crisis is to be able to release all the "burdens" that are stuck in the mind and self first. Because sometimes, other people's perceptions unconsciously influence behavior.

Avoid spending a lot of time thinking about things that can detract from your child's enthusiasm for activities.

Remember, everyone has their own abilities and limitations that differentiate them from others. Don't forget to always look for happiness as "food" for your heart and mind.

Dealing with an identity crisis for both adolescents requires a process that is not short and easy. Parents also need to encourage their children and support finding things they like in life.

Some things your child can do is join in social activities, pursue hobbies, or participate in certain communities that are more suitable for their abilities.

Not only just making yourself better, this method will at least help teenagers to see other perspectives and to be more grateful in life.

Gradually, the positive energy from the surrounding environment can relieve stress and identity crises in adolescents that are being experienced.

Some things you can do to overcome an identity crisis in adolescents, such as:

1. Help the child to determine the things he likes

As explained above, there are many things that happen in the developmental phase of adolescence. Therefore, it is only natural when he is still processing these new things.

The existence of social pressure can make it difficult for children to determine what they want. Especially when looking at trends in the community.

Give the understanding that he does not need to follow and choose things according to his preferences. For example, when choosing clothes, food, to community activities.

2. Ask questions rather than demands

At this time, pressure from parents can also affect the emotional development of adolescents.

You can start by asking questions such as "What makes you happy" or "What school choices do you want".

This question does not just train him to express feelings. But it can also make him feel supported and well listened to.

3. Get used to making decisions together

In some cases of identity crisis experienced by adolescents, another thing that can be exacerbated is when parents always disagree with what their children want.

Parents' desires are not always the same as children's desires. Therefore, give him the freedom to do the things he likes. Listen to her point of view and reasons.

Children can do new activities and make friends as much as possible when they get full support from their closest family.

x