Understanding Psychology of Adolescent Students
By Audre Iglehart
EDI 550/551 Psychology of Adolescent Students
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
May 27, 2009
The discussion of identity and identity development was quite interesting tonight. Dr. Boyanton’s stories and examples of Erickson’s life stages and development made the information easy to apply and remember. When we began to discuss Marcia’s theory and the whole impact of developing one’s identify some interesting conversation and discussion ensued. It would seem to me that as one’s identity changes throughout life as circumstances change and the need arises. Some may argue that a true identity does not change. I disagree however, life is constantly changing and a person must adapt to move on as life brings changes. One who is too rigid and refuses to adapt oneself and try new experiences and things is doomed to a boring existence.
In reviewing Marcia’s stages it would be logical to think that the “identity-achieved” stage is nirvana and what everyone strives for. It is when you are at peace with who you are and what you want. I believe that this is a nice state to be in the majority of the time but to be in a constant state of peace would be boring to me. I suppose you can look at it like a beautiful summer day, you appreciate the 73 degree no humidity day, but if it was like that everyday how can you say it’s “perfect” without the imperfect cold snowy day, or hot humid day? I look at life the same way, without misery, sadness, anger, depression, fear, jealousy, insecurity and instability there would be no perfection or bliss.
There needs to be a “crisis” to overcome or deal with to move on to a new level. To be in a constant state of crisis or indecision is not good for one’s mental health but a wide range of feelings and the ability to feel those emotions and react appropriately to be able to move through life is what both Erickson and Marica are getting at.
Long Island University, C. W. Post
May 27, 2009
The discussion of identity and identity development was quite interesting tonight. Dr. Boyanton’s stories and examples of Erickson’s life stages and development made the information easy to apply and remember. When we began to discuss Marcia’s theory and the whole impact of developing one’s identify some interesting conversation and discussion ensued. It would seem to me that as one’s identity changes throughout life as circumstances change and the need arises. Some may argue that a true identity does not change. I disagree however, life is constantly changing and a person must adapt to move on as life brings changes. One who is too rigid and refuses to adapt oneself and try new experiences and things is doomed to a boring existence.
In reviewing Marcia’s stages it would be logical to think that the “identity-achieved” stage is nirvana and what everyone strives for. It is when you are at peace with who you are and what you want. I believe that this is a nice state to be in the majority of the time but to be in a constant state of peace would be boring to me. I suppose you can look at it like a beautiful summer day, you appreciate the 73 degree no humidity day, but if it was like that everyday how can you say it’s “perfect” without the imperfect cold snowy day, or hot humid day? I look at life the same way, without misery, sadness, anger, depression, fear, jealousy, insecurity and instability there would be no perfection or bliss.
There needs to be a “crisis” to overcome or deal with to move on to a new level. To be in a constant state of crisis or indecision is not good for one’s mental health but a wide range of feelings and the ability to feel those emotions and react appropriately to be able to move through life is what both Erickson and Marica are getting at.
0 comments:
Post a Comment