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9. Imaginary audience is adolescent’s belief that others are as preoccupied with
them as they are about themselves.
~ It is this imaginary audience, which makes them extremely self-conscious.
10. The personal fable is part of the adolescents’ egocentrism that involves their
sense of uniqueness.
~ Adolescents’ sense of uniqueness makes them think that no one understands
them or their feelings.

 FORMING AN IDENTITY
1. Identity is who you are and what your values, commitments and beliefs are.
2. The primary task of adolescence is to establish an identity separate from the
parents.
3. During adolescence a detachment process enables the individual to develop a
personalised set of beliefs that are uniquely her or his own.
4. Adolescents who are not able to cope with this identity crisis are confused.
~ This ―identity confusion‖, according to Erikson, can lead to individuals
isolating themselves from peers and family.
5. Adolescents on one hand, may desire independence but may also be afraid of it
and show a great deal of dependence on their parents.
6. Rapid fluctuations between self-confidence and insecurity are typical of this
stage.
7. The formation of identity during adolescence is influenced by several factors.
~The cultural background, family and societal values, ethnic background, and
socioeconomic status all prevail upon the adolescents’ search for a place in
society.
~ Increased interactions with peers provide them with opportunities for refining
their social skills and trying out different social behaviours.
~ Peers and parents are dual forces having major influences on adolescents.
~ Vocational commitment is another factor influencing adolescent identity
formation.

 SOME MAJOR CONCERNS
1. It is a vulnerable period.
2. Conforming to peer pressure can be both positive and negative.
3. Some of the major challenges faced by adolescents likedelinquency, substance
abuse, and eating disorders.
 Delinquency
a) Delinquency refers to a variety of behaviours, ranging from socially
unacceptable behaviour, legal offences, to criminal acts.