Parenting Reflection paper

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N481/Fall 2020 Reflection Paper #2

Reflecting on the Importance of Having Purpose in Life

During the sessions following the midterm exam, we focused on the various stages of development-from infancy through young adulthood- and many of you provided insightful comments and shared meaningful experiences on issues of trust, self-identity, and bonding.

Integrating and expanding on course content, the focus of this last paper is to reflect on your purpose in life. This assignment encompasses the application of Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development as a theoretical framework to discuss the development of sense of purpose during adolescence. In addition, you will incorporate to your discussion the concept of emerging adults, a term coined by Arnett (2000) and included in the lecture on adolescents and tens as parents (Bigner, chap.10). Note. Before writing this paper, read over the attached materials (4) and refer to Bigner’s textbook for additional support as needed. You can also search the literature relative to the topic (optional).

Background on the Topic

Erikson’s theory describes developmental change as a lifelong process that extends from birth to death. Erikson posited that developmental change starts in infancy and it initially occurs within the context of a supportive family climate; as life progresses, it expands into the school environment to a wider social network of friends and, eventually, to the formation of an intimate relationship.

Research studies indicate that parenting practices are related to adolescents’ identity formation. Leading up to adolescence, parents are the main socializing agents of their child’s identity. High parental warm is associated with more favorable identity statuses (e.g., achievement) while harsh parenting practices inhibit self-exploration during adolescence. According to Erikson, fidelity emerges as a virtue at the end of the identity crisis in adolescence indicating the formation of a stable sense of self-identity.

Relative to finding purpose in life, Damon, Menon, and Cotton Bronk (2003, p. 120) note: “Youth is a formative period for cultivating a sense of purpose. Identity theorists, from Erikson (1968) to Loevinger (1976), have marked adolescence as the period in the lifespan when people first begin to dedicate themselves to systems of belief that reflect compelling purposes. Of course, this does not always happen: Some people never find anything to believe in beyond self-preservation or self-advancement. The clinical observations of Erikson and his followers demonstrate that, when young people find nothing to dedicate themselves to while growing up, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to acquire motivating belief systems later in life (Erikson, 1968; Marcia, 1980). The result is a sense of “drift” that can lead to personal as well as social pathologies. Research has shown that the personal effects of purposelessness may include self-absorption, depression, addictions, and a variety of psycho-somatic ailments, and the social effects may include deviant and destructive behavior, a lack of productivity, and an inability to sustain stable interpersonal relations (Damon, 1995).”

It has been suggested that the difference between young people who cannot find direction and those who are motivated and engaged can be explained by whether they have found purpose in life (Damon, 2008). Interestingly, Burrow and Rainone (2017) report associations between the influence of social media feedback on self-esteem and sense of purpose in adolescences and adults.

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ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES – 15 points (this includes 5 points of extra credit)

A. Describe each developmental stage-1 through 6- and their respective virtues as posited by Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development (3pts.)

B. Parents play a critical role particularly during the early developmental years (stages 1-4) on fostering a child’s capacity for gaining a sense of purpose during adolescence.

• Drawing from our group discussions on parenting styles, identify at least two and explain why inappropriate and ineffective parenting practices can undermine a child’s psychosocial development and, in turn, impair his/her ability to develop a sense of purpose during adolescence (3pts.)

C. Emerging Adults. [Arnett, J.J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. The American Psychologist, 55, 469– 480].

• Explain the concept of emerging adults (18-25yrs.) as proposed by Jeffrey Arnett (1pt.) • Reflecting on your own situation. Do you think that the search for purpose commonly extends

through these years? (2pts.) D. As noted by Thomas Oppong in The Dangerous Approach of Living without Purpose, Bud Bilanich, an executive coach, suggests three exercises (listed below as first, second, and third) that can help guide the identification of your purpose in life. Reflecting on each of the following, write 1-2 paragraphs for each exercise (3 pts./1pt. per exercise)

• First, define what success means to you personally. • Second, create a vivid mental image of you as a success. This image should be as vivid as you

can you make it. • Third, clarify your personal values. (That is, what do you value?).

E. Provide your view, and explain why, having a strong sense of purpose might influence the effect of social media feedback on adolescents and emerging adults’ self-esteem? (2 pt.) F. References (1pt.) - Make sure to cite in-text, as pertinent, and create a reference list of the sources you used for this assignment. Use the style adopted by your discipline (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

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Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development