Freud and Erikson on Adolescence

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What signifies the onset of adolescence according to Freudian theory?

The resolution of Oedipal conflicts

Development of an ideal self

Importance of peer relationships

The genital stage of development (correct)

Which primary task is NOT associated with adolescence in Freudian theory?

Resolution of Oedipal conflicts

Development of lifelong friendships (correct)

Establishment of mature sexual relations

Replacement of pre-genital drives with genital primacy

What is the main function of the 'ego' during adolescence?

To recreate childhood attachments

To suppress sexual urges

To manage tensions from competing drives (correct)

To eliminate the influence of peers

How does adolescence affect the relationship between the id, ego, and superego according to Freudian theory?

It alters the dynamics leading to personality changes Signup and view all the answers

What effect does adolescent distancing from parents have on belief systems?

Adolescents often reject their parents' beliefs in favor of peers Signup and view all the answers

In Freudian theory, what is required for the resolution of Oedipal conflicts?

Detachment from parents and finding new sexual objects Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'object loss' refer to in the context of adolescence?

Detachment from parents and former love objects Signup and view all the answers

According to Freudian theory, what is a main characteristic of drives during adolescence?

They shift to being centered around sexuality Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a higher group identity score as predicted by the level of ingroup favouritism?

Group identity importance aligns with ingroup preferences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement ‘I am glad to be a member of this group’ measure?

Group identification. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the order effect on ingroup favouritism scores?

Favouritism increases when the outgroup is rated first. Signup and view all the answers

How do adolescents utilize social identity in distinguishing between self-worth qualities?

By emphasizing socially desirable characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the finding that participants rated their ingroup more highly after assessing an outgroup?

Ingroup comparison enhances self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of identity did the scale measure regarding group belonging?

Emotional connection to the group. Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension of identity is stated to possess no intrinsic measure of worth?

Shared forms of art. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects how ingroup and outgroup features are assessed?

Comparison heightens the assessment of social identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Erikson's stage theory compared to Freud's theories?

Emphasis on psychosocial development. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of adolescence, what is considered crucial for self-definition?

Establishing personal ideologies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an identity crisis during adolescence?

A prolonged period of exploring different identities. Signup and view all the answers

How do social comparisons affect identity construction among adolescents?

They create confusion about one's identity. Signup and view all the answers

What role do peer groups serve in the development of personal identity during adolescence?

They provide support and inclusive relationships. Signup and view all the answers

According to social identity theory, adolescents maintain positive self-esteem by comparing which of the following?

Their ingroup with an outgroup. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Barometric self' imply about an adolescent's sense of self?

It fluctuates significantly based on social feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What mental process is described by hypothetical-deductive reasoning in the context of adolescent identity?

Testing hypotheses based on social feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when adolescents fail to find a positive self-identity?

They experience an identity crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of positive peer relationships during adolescence?

They support the adjustment to new societal roles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the findings from Tarrant et al.'s study?

Adolescents positively or negatively rated most identity traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is one hypothesis an adolescent might explore when reflecting on their popularity?

I might not be viewed positively based on my interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor plays a role in how adolescents form their identities?

Comparative analysis with societal ideals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Freudian Theory of Adolescence

Genital Stage (13+): Adolescence marks the shift of libido focus to the genital area.
Two Primary Tasks:
- Transition from pre-genital drives to genital primacy, where sexuality significantly influences development.
- Resolution of Oedipal conflicts, involving detachment from parents and forming mature sexual relationships.
Ego's Role: The ego must balance the id's desire for gratification with the superego's moral demands, creating a socially and personally acceptable identity.
Adolescent Identity: Adolescence is characterized by intense sexual drives impacting the relationship between the id, ego, and superego. This necessitates adjustments to previous attachment figures (parents), potentially leading to rejection of their values and beliefs, seeking new ones among peers.

Erikson's Theory of Adolescence

Psychosocial Development: Emphases psychosocial development over psychosexual, focusing on the individual's sense of self in the social world.
Identity vs. Identity Crisis: The central task is establishing a sense of self-definition that aligns with personal values and societal norms. If successful, a positive identity emerges; otherwise, identity crisis ensues.
Achieving a Positive Identity: Involves clarifying personal beliefs, attitudes, and ideals, establishing a personal ideology. Positive self-perception is important; lacking it results in an identity crisis, characterized by experimentation and a search for self.

Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning: Adolescents use this to evaluate the factors contributing to their social standing (e.g., looks, popularity, interests), considering their own qualities and others' perceptions.
Social Comparison Theory: Adolescents constantly compare themselves to others, particularly in domains like appearance and social standing influenced by a media's ideal, impacting self-perception.
Barometric Self: The concept of a fluctuating, rather than stable, sense of self during adolescence.

Importance of Peer Groups

Peer Influence: Peer relationships are vital for adjustment to the experiences and societal roles typically presented in the process of adolescence. Positive relationships correlate with positive adjustment, while isolation can lead to problems; examples include delinquency, substance abuse, and depression.
Social Identity Theory: This theory explains how adolescents form identities through social comparisons and maintaining a positive social identity through categorizing themselves as an ingroup, comparing it positively to a contrasting outgroup.

Key Study: Tarrant et al. (2001)

Method: A study involving adolescent males examining how valued dimensions impacted social group identity via self-reported ratings.
Results and Significance:
- Adolescents rated themselves more positively when comparing themselves to an outgroup in advance.
- Aspects of worth without intrinsic value, e.g., musical preferences, are significantly compared/used to differentiate desirable from undesirable qualities.
- Those with heightened significance contribute to a strong social identity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the critical theories of Freud and Erikson regarding adolescence. This quiz covers key concepts such as the genital stage, the Oedipal conflict, and psychosocial development in the teenage years. Test your understanding of how these theories explain adolescent identity formation and the balancing of desires and morals.