青少年的自我認同危機

Identity Crisis in Adolescence

青春期的關鍵發展任務之一，就是建立一致的自我認同，並朝向健康的人格發展。心理學家艾瑞克森認為12至18歲時期，最重要的發展任務與危機即「自我認同與角色混淆」，在發展成更清楚穩定的自我認同前，會先經歷一段危機（Erikson, 1968）。青少年在不同的背景脈絡和時間，從每天的日常經驗、與父母和同齡者的互動，接收這些環境中給予關於他們的回饋，重新去思考他們是誰，要往哪個方向去，逐步建立出自我概念。雙循環身分模型（dual-cycle identity model）解釋了自我認同中的動態發展過程，青少年著重廣度探索，並形成身分承諾，接著開始深入探索、選擇維持或進一步確認當前的承諾。自我認同的不確定性與廣泛的社會心理問題有關，例如焦慮（Becht et al., 2016）、憂鬱、攻擊性、人格病理及物質使用。清楚的自我認同可以協助青少年區分自己與他人，身為父母或醫療人員，關鍵在於對青少年目前所經歷的一切都要保持開放、信任和連結，尊重青少年在此時期經歷一切無法預料的進展和體驗後，所蛻變的模樣。

One of the key developmental tasks during adolescence is establishing a consistent identity and healthy personality development. Psychologist Erikson believes that ''identity and identity confusion'' is the most important developmental task and crisis between the ages of 12 and 18. Before developing a clearer and more stable identity, teenagers often go through a period of crisis (Erikson, 1968). In various backgrounds and periods, teenagers receive feedback about themselves from their daily experiences, interactions with parents and peers, and they rethink themself and where they should head, gradually constructing a self-concept.
The dual-cycle identity model explains the dynamic developmental process of self-identity. Teenagers focus on horizontal exploration and develop identity commitments, and then move on to in-depth exploration, either maintaining or further confirming their commitments. Identity uncertainty is associated with a range of social and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, aggression, personality disorders, and substance use. Having a clear sense of identity helps teenagers distinguish themselves from others. As parents or professionals, it is important to keep open minds, trust, and connection with teenagers, respecting their unpredictable progress and experiences during this period of transformation.