MATURATIONAL CRISIS

Maturity crises, also known as identity crises, are a common developmental stage that often occurs during adolescence. This period is characterized by significant changes in physical, psychological, and social aspects of life. During this time, individuals explore their identities and attempt to resolve conflicts with themselves and their environment. This article will discuss the characteristics of maturing crisis, its causes, and the implications for adolescents.

Maturity crises typically involve a period of intense exploration of identity and roles in society. During this time, adolescents are in a process of redefining themselves and their relationships to the world around them. This can manifest as a search for new values, beliefs, and goals, and a shift in the way they perceive their place in society. They may also be faced with the challenge of forming a stable sense of self and identity.

There are many potential causes of maturing crises. Biological changes such as puberty can create physical and psychological stress, which can contribute to the development of a maturing crisis. In addition, adolescents may experience environmental changes such as moving to a new home or starting a new school. These changes can create a sense of uncertainty and lead to a crisis of identity. Finally, social pressures and expectations can create a sense of confusion and insecurity.

Maturing crises can have serious implications for adolescents. It can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. It can also lead to risky behavior such as substance abuse or unplanned pregnancies. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of a maturing crisis and provide support to adolescents as they navigate this process.

In conclusion, maturing crisis is a common developmental stage experienced by adolescents. It is characterized by intense exploration of identity and roles in society. Maturing crises can be caused by biological, environmental, and social factors. They can have serious implications for adolescents, so it is important to provide support during this period.

References

Masten, A. (2014). Resilience in development. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 227–257. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115041

Rutter, M. (2015). Resilience as a dynamic concept. Development and Psychopathology, 27(4), 773–788. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579415001030

Steinberg, L., & Morris, A. S. (2001). Adolescent development. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 83–110. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.83

Yates, T. M., & Berger, D. E. (2002). Adolescent identity formation. In S. J. Schwartz, K. Luyckx, & V. L. Vignoles (Eds.), Handbook of identity theory and research (pp. 635–658). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0816-1_26

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