Identity

A key developmental phase during adolescence is identity formation. Due to the number of physical, emotional and social changes taking place within the transition to adulthood, adolescents are constantly in a process of reflection, inquiry and exploration.

They begin to develop moral beliefs and self-definitions around their strengths and weaknesses, interests, values, and cultural or social reputation. When recognising what makes them unique, identity formation can become extremely challenging as a result of the social pressure to conform.  Factors such as culture, ethnicity, gender, disability or physical appearance can cause unease when adolescents feel different from their peers. 

Self-esteem

Self-esteem represents an individual’s evaluation of their own self-worth. The development of self-esteem begins at an early age, through an ongoing discovery of images and ideals related to the self.

In adolescence individuals identify differences in academic, physical, social and occupational self-worth, while also deciding what aspects are important to them.  When adolescents feel that their expectations and beliefs match with reality, they will feel confident and content. Should an individual have a negative self-evaluation, they will experience low self-esteem.

An adolescent with reduced self-esteem is more at risk for developing low mood and possible depression. Specifically, the development of internal (“I caused this”), stable (“I will always be like this”) and global (“Everything I do is wrong”) negative attributions of the self, can cause an individual to feel a sense of hopelessness.