Stages of Development-Adolescent Identity

It is shown that adolescents and young adults who have identity achievement are more likely to be cooperative, self confident and good at solving problems.  But others who have not reached identity achievement, or identity diffusion, can be unsure of themselves and indecisive.  People with identity diffusion also have shown more anxiety, apathy, and disconnection from their parents.  People with identity achievements have a better relationship to their parents, and they may completely take their advice without further exploring other beliefs or ideas.  Futhermore, they may also take on their parents values.  In Western societies that value individualism such as the United States, identity achievement is portrayed in a negative manner, but in a country like Japan, which values interdependence, it is seen in a positive way.  As shown in research, it is seen that young adults are able to reach their achievement from age 20 to 25, if they are ever able to reach it at all.  This is the age range because of the way people see themselves in college.  In college, the ways people see themselves are challenged, forcing them to question their ideas.  However, the students may only reach identity achievement in occupational areas, and not in other areas.  Additionally, people who reach to their full potential are shown to be happier in their life.  Thus, adolescent identity achievement is an important thing that helps an individual become positive, self confident, and happy during their lifetime.