Havighurst's Theory Of Adolescence

The phase of development known as adolescence is called after the Latin word ‘adolescere’ which translates into ‘to grow up’. Adolescence is a transition between childhood and early adulthood which is characterised most notably by puberty. This developmental period can be complex as the individual experiences significant physiological and psychological changes. Pinpointing the beginning of the adolescence and the pubertal phase of life can be found difficult in general as factors including genetics, ethnicity, body fat and even stress play a role in the onset of puberty but most researchers agree that is can begin as young as 8yrs and as late as 14yrs. The end point of adolescence is associated with full physical and sexual maturity and

Robert Havighurst’s expounded this theory in the most methodical and extensive manner. Havighurst’s main point within the theory is that development is continuous throughout an individual’s whole life span but it is also contiguous with specific phases or stages. Development sees a person moving from one stage to the next by means of successful solutions to problems or also performance of the developmental tasks. These particular tasks that are mentioned are certain tasks or obstacles that are encountered by the general population in the community of which the individual is a part of. When the task is accomplished this person will receive his community’s approval and the person themselves will feel great pride and a confidence boost. This success will provide him/her with a positive foundation which allows the individual to complete tasks that will be encountered in the later stages of development. Contrasting from this it the individual is unable to complete the task they will become unhappy and dissatisfied with themselves and will not receive the approval of their own society. This will actually lead to the subsequent experience of difficulty when faced with the new task. “This theory practices the individual as an active learner who continually interacts with a similarly active social environment” (Havighurst,

This identity vs role confusion relates to individuals within the age group from twelve to eighteen years of age. Adolescence teenagers will develop a sense of self and also personal identity. Throughout the period of adolescence children are pondering their new sense of who they actually are becoming. When in the transition from the childhood stage to the adulthood stage teenagers may begin to feel overcome with the feelings of confusion or insecurity about the person they are developing into. They may begin to feel or wonder will they fit into society and where and actually will they be accepted into society. As a teenager is searching to find who they are they may drift from different peer groups, go through phases or also go through different personality, behaviour stages but this is a positive thing according to Erik Erickson. This is important because it is all in the process of forming a strong identity and also a sense of direction in their lives. It is important for parents or guardians to be support through this exploration stage of their child’s life, as a child will remember this support as they become older and also it may contribute to who they may become. Whilst in the crisis of identity vs role confusion an adolescent may become concerned how they appear to others. As of yet they haven’t discovered who they are or where they are supposed to be going so this is why it essential for