Identity Development In The Breakfast Club

1347 Words6 Pages
Adolescence can be described as a period of awareness and self-definition. According to Erikson (1968), it is an important period in the enduring process of identity formation in the life of an individual. The movie ‘The Breakfast Club’, focuses on a group of five adolescents, and their pursuit to find their prospective identity. This essay will focus on the process of identity development in these five adolescents, with particular reference to the character Andrew Clark. In addition, it seeks to highlight the different identity statuses, as well as, the factors that facilitate or hinder identity formation. Furthermore, various psychological theories will be drawn upon relating to events in the movie that depict adolescent identity development. Adolescence is the period between childhood and emerging adulthood (Sigelman & Rider, 2015). According to Behm-Morawitz and Mastro (2008), this period is generally categorized by development in different spheres of life and often revolves around an increased independence and freedom. In addition, during this period adolescents start to forge a sense of identity. The concept of identity refers to who you as a person and how you fit in society (Sigelman & Rider, 2015). This can be done through a steady set of norms and values, which ultimately influence your identity formation (Klimstra, 2012). Furthermore, Sigelman and Rider (2015), suggest that to achieve a sense of identity, the adolescent needs to incorporate multiple perceptions