Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan
Adolescence is a critical developmental period
when young people explore and experiment with multiple identities, including
ethnic, gender, sexual, and cultural identities (Erikson, 1959; Phinney, 1989).
These identity explorations can have a significant impact and can be a positive
and empowering process, but they can also pose challenges and impact mental
health, psychosocial functioning, and academic motivation and achievement
(Arnett, 2000; Marcia, 1966).
Identity exploration can, on the one hand, be a
beneficial and fulfilling activity that fosters personal development and
self-discovery (Erikson, 1959). Adolescents with a strong sense of identity are
more likely to have better mental health, stronger self-esteem, and more favourable
interpersonal connections (Erikson, 1959; Marcia, 1966). However, adolescent members
of marginalized groups or those who suffer discrimination may find identity
discovery stressful and difficult (Phinney, 1989). Adolescents, for instance,
who are discovering their ethnic identity may experience prejudice, racism, and
discrimination. According to Phinney (1989), this may result in detrimental
mental health effects like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Similarly,
adolescents who are exploring their gender identity may face stigma,
harassment, and discrimination, which can contribute to mental health problems
and social isolation (Reisner et al., 2015). In addition, identity exploration
can also impact academic motivation and achievement. Adolescents who are
struggling with their identities may find it difficult to focus on their
academic goals and may have lower academic achievement (Oyserman et al., 2006).
On the other hand, adolescents who feel a strong sense of identity and
belonging may be more motivated to succeed academically (Sellers et al., 1997).
Growing up in a multicultural and multilingual
home brought opportunities and challenges for my identity exploration during my
adolescence. Despite my pride in my heritage and identity, I also experienced a
sense of dislocation and perplexity that made it hard for me to concentrate on
my academic objectives and left me feeling uncomfortable and alone (Phinney,
1990). Despite these challenges, I eventually came to a more complex knowledge
of who I am, and I found strength in my pride in my heritage and my identity.
My own journey taught me the value of self-reflection and empathy for anyone
who might experience identity issues at this crucial stage of development.
I realized that it is crucial to acknowledge the
various identities that adolescents are experimenting with and to provide a
secure and encouraging atmosphere for them to do so as teachers and
professionals who engage with adolescents. This includes tackling prejudice and
discrimination in schools and communities as well as offering information and
help to adolescents who may be having identity issues (Reisner et al., 2015;
Phinney, 1989).
The thought question that I want my readers to
respond to is: How can educators support students who are struggling with
identity issues and provide resources to help them navigate their journey?
References
Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of
development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist,
55(5), 469–480. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10842426
Erikson, E. H. (1959). Identity and the life cycle.
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https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780429905567
Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of
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551-558. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1967-10516-001
Oyserman, D., Bybee, D., Terry, K., &
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656605000685
Phinney, J. S. (1989). Ethnic identity in adolescents
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https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED310193.pdf
Reisner, S. L., Greytak, E. A., Parsons, J. T., &
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adolescent bullying and substance use by gender identity. Journal of Sex
Research, 52(3), 243–256. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4201643/pdf/nihms586722.pdf
Sellers, R. M., Rowley, S. A. J., Chavous, T. M.,
Shelton, J. N., & Smith, M. A. (1997). Multidimensional inventory of black
identity: A preliminary investigation of reliability and construct validity. Journal
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https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/108164/MIBI%20PRE.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
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