Identity development during the teenage years is very important. Adolescence is a time when teens start to figure out who they are and what makes them unique, while feeling the pressure to fit in with their peers. When teens feel excluded because of their cultural, ethnic, gender, or sexual identity differences, it can cause them to participate in harmful behaviors. Additional factors that affect or prevent the development of a positive and secure self-identity include:
- Lack of attachment to parents
- Low self-esteem or depression
- Absence or negative influence of adults
- Lack of acceptance in a positive peer group
Common Problems and Behaviors Surrounding Unhealthy Teenage Identity Crisis
When a teen experiences challenges with self-identity and belonging, they are more likely to engage inrisky behaviors like substance abuse and promiscuity. These teens are often more likely to have low self-esteem, struggle in school, and act compulsively. This is due to the fact that during this time teens are still developing cognitively which makes their thinking process more impulsive than adults. Therefore, simple encouragement from peers can be enough to persuade a teen to engage in risky behavior without much thought. The result of a teen’s participation in rebellious or promiscuous behavior can result in the teen feeling even worse about themselves and can create a downward spiral of unhealthy patterns and behavior.
15 Warning Signs of Teenage Identity Crisis:
- A distorted or unrealistic perception of oneself
- Lack of congruent behaviors and values in different settings
- Self-worth relies on the opinions of others
- Poor academic performance or failure.
- Promiscuous behavior
- Low self-esteem
- Putting down others (i.e., teasing, name-calling, or gossiping)
- Dramatic or out of context behaviors
- Glances around to monitor others
- Putting self down
- Keeps his or her own views or opinions to self
- Intense emotions of anger or sadness
- Change in peers and/or avoids positive friendships
- Disregarding rules and limits
- Use of illegal substances
If your teen displays several of the above behaviors, they are likely struggling to form their identity. The next step parents can take to encourage healthier patterns is to ensure their teen is getting the support he or she needs at home.
You Are Not Alone
ThreePeaks Ascent is there for you and your family.
ThreePeaks Ascent Can Help Teens in Crisis
ThreePeaks Ascent’s short-term residential treatment center was uniquely crafted to assist teens in crisis and their families create lasting, life-long emotional changes through our compassionate, intentional, research-backed, and safe nature therapy program. The professionals at ThreePeaks understand individuals don’t come with instructions, and every student is unique, capable, and amazing in their own right. At ThreePeaks Ascent, we focus on helping teens who are struggling with mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. As proven by research, when people are engaged on a personal level with intentional and strategic activities, they will be able to develop the skills and tools necessary to live a healthy and positive life.
Benefits of a Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment Program
Being immersed in nature can have a profound impact on a teenager. It improves their mental, emotional, and physical health. Combined with a proven clinical approach, a therapeutic experience helps teens heal. Here are specific benefits your family can expect to see while your teen is in nature-based short-term residential treatment.
