We are officially out of the childhood stage of Erik Erikson’s journey through psychosocial development and onto a stage marked by rapid change, exploration and growth: adolescence. eight stages highlight a psychosocial conflict that influences personality development. As a play therapist, I’ll apply Erikson’s concepts to help support your teen’s brain and identity development while also redefining what “play” can mean during these years.
Understanding the Early Adolescent Stage
Adolescence, roughly ages 12-18, is a period of tremendous change. Everything but the kitchen sink is thrown at teens from physical growth and hormonal changes to emotional highs and lows. While the outward changes are more visibly notable, the internal changes are just as significant. This is the phase where your teen truly forms their identity. While they have cultivated interests and hobbies in the past, now they are looking towards the future. How will their chosen identity fit into the adult world and how will the adult world receive them?
Just like trying on clothes, your teen will experiment with different roles to shape their identity. The addition of their peers’ influence adds another layer to their development as they will test out behaviors, social roles, and moral choices. Teens will also yearn for more independence. They want more freedom and autonomy to make their own decisions, which is critical to forming a cohesive sense of self. Supporting teens as they navigate these changes lays the groundwork for healthy identity development that will last a lifetime.
Common Struggles in Building Identity
With so much incredible development, how can there possibly be a conflict during this stage? Try reflecting on your own adolescent stage. Was it smooth sailing? Did you know your identity immediately or were there challenges? Trying on different roles, especially within social circles, can be a slippery slope towards an identity crisis. With the question teens are confronted with being, “Who am I?” they are likely to place a higher value on peers’ opinions to dictate that answer. If their social circle is one of positivity and acceptance, this can build a strong sense of identity, whereas a lack of support or avenues for exploration can lead to a lost sense of self, uncertainty, and conflict.
How Play Supports Identity
So how can play support building an identity – your teen stopped playing with toys years ago. Great point! When I refer to play, I am not referring to the traditional concept of imaginative play with Barbie dolls and toy kitchens. Play in adolescence is more akin to expression and exploration. Creative outlets like art, games, and music are all ways your teen can connect to their inner child’s sense of play while also building an identity for their adulthood. Creative media allows for so many different avenues of growth like self-discovery and belonging. Instead of a sole focus on adulthood goals like education, career aspirations, etc, play allows them to create a cohesive sense of self by uniting the old and the new.
Parents can support this growth by giving them space, choice, and autonomy to explore and express themselves. Be curious about their interests instead of being corrective, unless their safety is at risk. Normalize any uncertainty your teen is experiencing – they don’t have to have it all figured out! We want them to test out the waters, it is your job to ensure the waters are safe and supportive to do so.
If you need guidance in this area, please feel free to reach out!
