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Social Development in Adolescents

When analyzing the development of adolescents, one important factor during this time is their social development. Erik Erikson noted that during this time of growth, adolescents begin answering the question, "Who am I?" This is a time of identity confusion for adolescents and is usually a time when signs of rebellion begin during their search for their self identity.

During their search, adolescents are more likely to focus less on family and more on peer groups. In early adolescents, peer groups tend to be same-sex friendships. This is a time when peer groups are very important for an adolescent to feel comfortable and accepted. Being with their peers gives them a feeling of normalcy, and the shift from family to peers is normal in their social development. As these relationships continue to grow, adolescents form strong bonds with one-on-one friendships and romances with the opposite sex begin during this stage in development.

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(1998, March 15). Stages of Social-Emotional Development. Retrieved October 7, 2008, from Child Development Institute Web site: http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/erickson.shtml

(2007, December 14). ReCAPP. Retrieved October 7, 2008, from Aspects of Adolescent Development Web site: http://www.etr.org/recapp/theories/AdolescentDevelopment/aspects.htm#social