Self-Concept

Adolescence is a time of significant physical and emotional change and one of the key themes of research into adolescence is how self-identity and social relationships change during this period and how parents, peers, and significant others influence the identity, actions, behaviors, and outcomes for adolescents (Carroll et al. 2009; Graziano et al. 2009; Lightfoot et al. 2009; Monie and Hay 2_Q08; Rubin et al. 2004_). With the onset of puberty comes sexual maturity that can produce emotional tensions and uncertainties. These are reflected in all aspects of the young person's life including relationships with parents, authority figures, and same- and opposite-sex peers. All of these factors can create and nurture doubts about one's self and how one is perceived by others. While the self-concept has its origins in the earlier years of life, it becomes increasingly differentiated across the transitional years between childhood and adulthood (Cole et al. 2001).

The identification of the factors that influence the development of adolescent males' and females' sense of self-concept should enable educators and psychologists to assist young people through the tumultuous period of adolescence. This is a time when there is an increased risk of emotional instability that can lead to depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts that can persist into adulthood (Riesch et al. 2008; Walsh and Eggert 2008). This essay focuses on adolescents' self-concept and its development within a theoretical framework that argues that a positive self-identify during adolescence is an important protective and emotional resilience factor that can help moderate risk factors in adolescents' homes and communities.