Question

What are some specific strategies that you would suggest for supporting a young person who is experiencing an identity crisis? Be sure to define Kohlberg’s levels of moral development, Gilligan’s ethic of caring and justice, and Erikson’s psychosocial theory when discussing the way a teenager thinks. Why do you think a teenager would resort to attempting or completing suicide due to a bullying incident?

Answer 1

This is indeed a very intresting question. Kohlberg developed the levels of the morality, i.e. how morals are important to an individual based upon the age.There are three levels, kids, teens and adults. Acc to him in level 1 kids are not much aware about morals, it is mostly based upon the behaviour of their parents. In level 2.i.e. in this stage maintaing good interpersonal relations as well maintaining social order is important. During this stage teens start thinking about topic morality. Acc to Gilligan ethics should be paid attention. He says that a person should be heard with respect and there is need for responsiveness in order to mainatain the relationship. Acc to Erik Erickson teengaer are into the phase of Identity vs role confusion, they often ask questions such who am I? Whta is my purpose in this world? Adolscents in this stage go on seeking their identity.

I would suggest a young person who is facing identity crisis, to get heard by someone he is close to or to seek help of professional psychologist along with his parents.Similar would be the case of teenager attempting suicide due to bullying bullying. This teenager should be explained there are many ways of making life beautiful as well he should be heard by someone, he should complain about this to someone, eg teachers or any counsellors. (Gilligan's theory) He is morally weak when he is thinking of suicide. He should be asked to think about himsef (Erikon's theory), as in why is he comitting suicide, why is he laying more emphasis on those boys who are bullying. What is his goal in his life and what does he wants to achieve in the end.