Page 33 - Biblical Counseling II

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
oneself without losing
oneself. Intimacy needs may
be met in friendships rather
than with partners.
Achieving a sense of identity
is a lifelong process, but
there are periods of identity
crisis and stability. And, according to Erikson, having some sense of identity is essential for intimate
relationships” (Clark-Plaskie, p. 2, 2020). (photo: www.cvasa.org)

“Many of the developmental tasks of early adulthood involve becoming part of the adult world and gaining
independence. The focus of early adulthood is often on the future. Many aspects of life are on hold while
people go to school, go to work, and prepare for a brighter future. The day consists of meeting many
demands that these tasks bring. The incentive for working so hard is that it will all result in a better future”
(Clark-Plaskie, p. 2, 2020).

Reflection: Look back at the chart on page 41. Early Adulthood is stage 6 and includes ages 20-34. What are
your thoughts on Erikson’s beliefs about this stage? Does it apply to you in your life right now?

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