Erik Erikson defined adolescence as the period from twelve to eighteen years old, a time of marked emotional, psychological, and physiological change. In adolescence, life becomes more challenging and difficult, because who we are—separate from family—becomes our focus. We are still dependent on family but are attempting to be “our own person.”
Psychologist Kenneth Kenniston similarly describes this stage as a time of tension between self and the demands of society. He also emphasizes the focus on change during these years, when youth experiences inner development with a longing for external movement; if this longing is frustrated, there is a feeling of “going nowhere.”
Others call adolescence a time of developing a philosophy of life, as we begin to develop and solidify ideas about the world and our role within it. Adolescents have deep ties to their peers and to things they believe in—but ideas and beliefs can be based on wishes, ideals, and passions, and may not be reality-based. Successfully navigating this complex stage of upheaval and passion is essential for role consolidation.
Role consolidation involves the development of one’s sense of identity as an individual within a larger society. At this stage of development we are invested in our peer interactions and our developing perspective on issues of ethics and morality. Erikson uses the word moratorium because adolescents abandon their previous sense of responsibility within the family. Role confusion occurs if this stage is not successfully experienced.
Today’s world, with so many people out of work amid stressful economic times, puts added pressure on adolescents who already feel challenged. Many teenagers need part-time jobs but cannot find them; many families are having difficulty with plans to send children to college or professional training; many families are experiencing anxiety and depression. It’s harder to separate and establish an identity apart from family if the family isn’t stable—it’s important that the tree be sturdy if you’re going to push against it.
Developing role consolidation is harder for those whose families undergo death, divorce, job loss, illness, and other traumas during this stage. When those former teens are adults in uncertain times, the role confusion they experienced in adolescence makes uncertainty very difficult to deal with. Living well with uncertainty is man’s life-long challenge. But it’s never too late to learn to adapt. Change and growth is always possible.
Oliver & Barbara