CDE312 - Dr. LJ
Module 4 Case Study Part A
1. How does the way that Larissa describes herself fit with what we know about
changes in adolescents’ self-conceptions?
Larissa’s description becomes more differentiated because she says that she is quiet at
first and then once she gets to know that person she’s more talkative. She’s beginning to
talk about her future. Larissa also says she is a good friend which tells us that she is
getting better at thinking abstractly. She is also leaning towards following in her dad’s
footsteps at first before she starts to think about what she actually wants to do. Although
she never really gave the teaching option more of a chance or exploration and instead
shut the idea down before really trying it out.
2. How would you characterize Larissa’s identity status based on the dimensions of
exploration and commitment?
Larissa’s identity status starts off in identity foreclosure because she was set on
following in her dad’s footsteps (being committed) but later shut it down without giving it
a second thought instead of trying it out first (foreclosure). Later she starts to question
this decision and becomes less committed, yet kind of trying to explore other options
such as not even going to college anymore, which leads her to Identity Moratorium.
Towards the end, it seems as if she is starting to figure things out and becoming
interested in something. I would say that this is almost reaching identity achievement
since she is beginning to research something she enjoys and something that she is
willing to go forward with.
3. Should Larissa’s dad be concerned about her uncertainty regarding her plans
following high school graduation?
Larissa’s dad should not be concerned about her uncertainty regarding her plans
following graduation because it is normal for adolescents to explore ideas and
possibilities. It is also normal to question the path of life they are taking or who they are
becoming (possible selves) and really start considering and planning for the future
(future orientation).
4. Based on how Larissa is managing identity-related decisions, which orientation
does she seem to be taking to resolve her identity crisis? What role does Ms.
Thompson play in this process?
She is taking it as an information orientation. Ms. Thompson plays the role of an identity
agent because she is really listening to Larissa and trying to help her explore what she
enjoys and offer her some advice. Ms. Thompson also is just simply listening to Larissa
and trying to understand what she wants rather than forcing something on her or
shutting down her ideas.
