I am currently in the later adolescence life stage. There are four major developmental tasks in this stage. The first is autonomy from parents, which entails three components. The first is leaving home, which I already have done and been living away from home for a while. The second component is attending college, which I have completed as well, by earning my bachelor’s degree at Robert Morris University. The third component is self-sufficiency which is making independent decisions, taking responsibility and achieving financial independence. I have achieved independence and taken responsibility but I am still receiving financial help from my parents. The second developmental task is gender identity, which I think I have successful made progress. I used to be a tom-boy playing hockey, but I now enjoy shopping, make-up and more female activities. The second developmental task during this stage is internalized morality, which I would relate to my ability on how to manage conflict and make the right decisions. I think I have processed well with this developmental task. One specific example, is when I was out in southside one weekend with my friends and I saw a good friend of mine who I played hockey with – her boyfriend. Throughout the night I saw from afar that he was trying to pick up my friend and it was really difficult to watch. The next day, I thought to myself – if I was her I would want to know if my significant other was not being faithful. I knew the right thing to do was to tell her although it would be extremely difficult. I ended up calling her the next day and explaining the situation, knowing I did the right thing. The last developmental task in later adolescence is career choice. For this task, I would say I’m progressing in the right direction, since I am still in school. I knew I wanted to get my masters, but I am not conflicted on whether or not I want to pursue a PhD. The psychosocial crisis for this stage is individual identity vs. identity confusion. I am currently at an interesting point in my life with regards to identity. A few months ago, I was a student-athlete and now I am a graduate student. Since March, when my career as an athlete ended, I have been experimenting with new hobbies and things to do – especially this summer. I started to self-learn how to play guitar, I have been going to hot yoga, and reading for fun. I really struggled with having so much more time on my hands and I was unsure of who I was. I was thankful to know I was continuing my education and becoming a graduate student. Now that I am done my first semester, I can confidently say I am on the right track and exactly where I want to be. Minus financial stability, I believe I am on the right track and open to any and all possibilities that come into my life and to see what the future holds.
17. Over the course of the term, there have been a number of running themes that have been considered important to various aspects of psychosocial development. Three particularly prominent running themes have been: (1) The role of sense of belonging (sometimes described using other terms such as “connectedness”), (2) The role of developing one’s identity, and (3) The role of finding and/or making meaning in one’s life. For each of these three themes, I want you to discuss how it promotes psychosocial development at two different life stages. You may select whichever life stages you want (though you will likely find that each theme is potentially more relevant to some life stages than others). The life stages you choose to address for each theme may, but do not need to, overlap with the life stages you choose for the other themes. (6 pts)
The role of sense of belonging or the feeling of “connectedness” can most likely be addressed during early and middle adulthood. Early adulthood (age 24-34) focuses on social roles and fulfilment. The psychosocial crisis during this stage is intimacy versus isolation. Intimacy is the ability to experience an open, supportive relationship, which results in the feeling of connectedness. Social roles such as work, spouse, parent, friend, and volunteer can also provide a sense of belonging. The two main ideas in this stage that provide a sense of belonging are intimate and friendly relationships or being a part of a specific club or group. Becoming an active participant in your own life and being involved provides a sense of belonging. For middle adulthood (age 34-60), which is right after early adulthood can also promote psychosocial development for the feeling of “connectedness.” The three out of the four major developmental tasks can provide a sense of belonging if progress is made. Managing a career can help achieve new levels of competence. Nurturing an intimate relationship and ensuring a happy marriage is the most important task in this stage to provide a sense of connectedness. Furthermore, expanding caring relationships such as, parenting and caring for one’s aging parents can also provide a sense of belonging and connectedness to something bigger than yourself.
The role of developing one’s identity can be most likely be addressed during early and later adolescence. During early adolescence (age 12-18) revolves around trying to find where you fit in. This involves reflecting on who you are and who you want to belong with. One of the main focuses of this stage for adolescents is finding their membership in a peer group. There are a lot of cliques and crowds, which inevitability put pressure to fit in. For example, a jock may feel the need to hang out with other athletes but do not like their values and attitudes. In this period of the, part of finding out where to fit in involves adolescents finding out who they are and what they are identity consists of. The second life stage which I want to address for this theme is later adolescence (age 18-24). After high school, you feel a sense of freedom with your identity and who you want to be. College and life after cliques and pettiness allows you to really find yourself. This stage involves making decisions for yourself, ability to express your true opinions, which may differ from your parents. Later adolescence is a time to develop gender identity and general role preferences. The autonomy from parents, career choice, and gender identity allows individuals in the later adolescence stage of life to truly and honestly shape their identity based on their own decisions and behavior.
The role of finding and/or making meaning in one’s life can be different for everyone. Some may find their meaning early on and others maybe not until they are close to the end of their life. For my parents and older generations, I think the meaning of their life was having children. With that being said, I think the most closely related life stages are later adulthood and elderhood when you can truly and deeply make meaning of your own life. For later adulthood (age 60-75) this involves accepting your one life and making meaning of any achievements and/or accomplishments. This can be becoming a grandparent, creating a family, or having a successful career. Finding meaning involves using introspection and building a sense of meaning based on past experiences. The second life stage that I thought best addressed this theme is elderhood (age 75+). Although this is not an original life stage and is new, I think it should be acknowledged. Elderhood involves developing a psychohistorical perspective by integrating the past, present and future and the appreciation of human experience. The reason I chose this stage for making meaning in one’s life, is individuals in this stage have many lived experiences and always have advice or stories that provide learning experience. This stage is a chance to evaluate your own life and integrate the experiences of one’s life to find meaning.
In conclusion, I thought these life stages best fit each theme. With that being said, although each stage is age-appropriate, people actively contribute to their own development and can experience different things throughout different points in their life. A sense of belonging, developing one’s identity, and finding meaning in life are all critical aspects for psychosocial development.