The discovery of one’s sense of self or identity is a critical process for teenagers. Though it is an ongoing process throughout life, it is during adolescence when this awareness is heightened. It is at this stage of life when teens start to become curious about who they are and how to form their identity.

The desire to discover a sense of self is natural among teens, being ingrained in their brain. This doesn’t, however, make the whole thing any easier. The process can be complicated by a lot of factors, making this “rite of passage” an arduous one. They can run the risk of having an identity crisis. The adolescent core issues of independence can complicate the processes of self-discovery and the formation of identity. There can also be other issues that may result in the journey being more difficult.

These concerns can intensify their struggle and affect the quality of their teenage life. This can also increase their susceptibility to concerns such as depression and anxiety. All in all, this can be a difficult time for teens, counseling can help. 

Identity Formation: What is it?

“Who am I?” Is a question that can hound many teenagers, either silently or openly, depending on their personalities and experiences. One thing is certain, though, the age-old question will be asked because they are beginning to appreciate the significance of identity. This is why identity discovery and development are unique in every teenager’s life. This has been illustrated by many noteworthy stage theorists, such as Erik Erikson.

Adolescence is a time for changes – physical, physiological, psychosocial, spiritual, etc. During this stage of development, figuring out identity is critical. It’s no wonder that teens are often intrinsically motivated to discover their identity. Experts say that teens also use their abstract thinking to imagine how others will see or perceive them when they want to make changes, for instance, with the way they look.

These identity-related processes are “a highly cognitive and social process,” says Erik Erikson. They continually take signals from their environment and from others before acting or making decisions. The opinions and reactions of others, family, friends and especially their peers, matter a lot in forming their own individual sense of who they are. The process often begins with intensity during the teenage years; then the intensity wanes eventually, but it goes on well into the future.

The Journey Begins with the Right Help

Adolescents struggle with certain basic or core concerns; one of which is the quest for their identity. As they develop their ability for critical thinking and deep reflection about their sense of self, they will encounter challenges. They can sink deep into their thoughts, triggering the avalanche of a lot of possible emotions and responses. They can also feel lost or overwhelmed in the process. Having a counselor assist them in their quest can be productive. Working with a counselor or therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford Office can make a world of difference. 

Discovering and forming your identity are not easy things to do. Your teen may need help. Call CCS today to get started. Online counseling is available!

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