Adolescence according to Erikson

"Adolescence is the age of the final establishment of a dominant positive ego identity. It is then that a future within reach becomes part of the conscious life plan." (Erikson, 63, p306) Adolescence is the turning point. In Greek, it is the moment after which the future is redirected and confirmed. It would seem reasonable that much thought would be given to how to use this critical period to reinforce the positive self-image so important for …

…maturing sexual relationships. One should be able to develop formal operations and discover the onset of peer group membership. The central processes of early adolescence are as follows: the role of school adults in peer-group structuring; affiliating with a peer group; peer pressure in specific areas; conformity and sense of belonging; conflict, tension, and alienation; and ethnic-group identity. The core pathology of early adolescence is isolation, and the adaptive ego quality is fidelity to others.