Adolescents experiment with different roles in order to gain a sense of identity. Erikson considered this stage to contain the most developmental change (Weaver, 2009). The continuation of rapid cognitive, emotional, and physical growth is ongoing in adolescents along with the development of morals and self-concept. Adolescents are able to think abstractly and hypothetically. They are able to define and explain principles of various subjects and consider many possibilities. (Matthews, Lecture Notes, September 23, 2015). Major physical development and hormonal changes take charge in adolescents. Gender and sexual identities is accomplished or at least recognizable. Adolescents begin to relate to partners of interest by experiencing intimate relationships (McGoldrick, Carter, & Garcia-Preto, 2011). With these discoveries, comes the process of self and one’s morals and values. Experimentation is important at this stage in order to establish an identity. Adolescents who are unsuccessful in doing so tend to experience role confusion (Learning Theories, …show more content…
Individuals’ view of this topic, how it is conceived and their reaction to it, depends greatly on their cultural values, specifically religious values. This is a time when friendship and spirituality are important as individuals experience more loss at this stage in comparison to the beginning phases of development (McGoldrick, Carter, & Garcia-Preto, 2011). People at this stage typically have considered the likelihood of death and have already experienced deaths of loved ones. Therefore, older adults tend to be more reflective about death and are prepared for its coming (Matthews, Lecture Notes, October 21,