LATE CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

The late childhood years are marked by physiological revolution - genital maturity and the emergence of sexual impulses. This inner turmoil can be resolved only by gaining recognition and support from those around. Adolescence involves overcoming the dependence of childhood and getting ready to face the demands of the adulthood. The crucial problem at this stage is the identity crisis. The growing child is now vulnerable to ideologies that offer the prospect of social conformity and a sanctioned sense of direction. Either they are rigid, sinister doctrine (such as terrorist or militant rebel groups) or relatively benevolent social movements. Adults must take the responsibility of seeing that the adolescent does not fall into the trap of role confusion but instead develops a positive sense of identity which becomes a fine quality - called fidelity. That is, the ability to sustain loyalties pledged freely despite the inevitable contradictions of value systems. Since not even the best of parents behave ideally on all occasions, every child’s personality includes some degree of contradictions - which is assumed to be natural.

“The growing child in his teens, is vulnerable to ideologies that offer the prospect of conformity and a sanctioned sense of direction - either they are rigid, sinister doctrines of terrorist groups or
the benevolent social movements.”