Page 39 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

Social Development: according to Erik Erikson, “adolescents synthesize the past, present and future
possibilities into a clearer sense of self. Identity is our sense of self; according to Erikson, the
adolescent’s task is to solidify a sense of self by testing and integrating various roles. Adolescents
wonder, “Who am I as an individual? What do I want to do with my life? What values should I live by?
What do I believe in?” Erikson called this quest the adolescent’s search for identity. Erikson noticed that
some adolescents forge their identity early, simply by adopting their parents’ values and expectations.
Other adolescents may adopt an identity defined in opposition to parents but in conformity with a
particular peer group. Most young people develop a sense of contentment with their lives, but others
never quite find themselves. Erikson contended that the adolescent identity stage is followed in young
adulthood by a developing capacity for intimacy. With a clear and comfortable sense of who you are,
said Erikson, you are ready to form emotionally close relationships. Such relationships, for most of us,
are a source of great pleasure (Myer, p. 84, 2012).

Reflection: In your community, what are boys/girls in ages 12-18 doing in life? What is important to
them? What do they do during the day? Now take this information and imagine being their pastor. How
will you use this information on adolescent development to reach this age group? How can you help
adolescents find their identity in Christ?

After you reflect, take a few minutes to watch this video titled: Talking to a Younger Generation about
the Divinity of Jesus. See if the video gives you more insights into how to talk to a teenager about Jesus.
www.rzim.org/watch/rzim-global/talking-to-a-younger-generation-about-the-divinity-of-jesus

Early Adulthood
Erik Erikson “believed
that the main task of
early adulthood is to
establish intimate
relationships and not
feel isolated from
others. Intimacy does
not necessarily involve
romance; it involves
caring about another and
sharing one’s self
without losing one’s self.
Intimacy needs may be
met in friendships rather
than with partners.

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