Abstract
M.A.
The aim of this research is to ascertain the unique character of late-adolescence in order to
strengthen the counselling and ministry of late-adolescents.
The first aim was to ascertain the particular problems of identity development and
psychosocial adjustment of late-adolescents. The research concentrates on different aspects
of development such as cognition, sexuality, self-actualisation and commitments. In order
to comprehend the complexity of late-adolescents, the following aspects should be taken into
account: identity, body-image, intimacy, careerchoice, personal values and philosophy of
life. A literature study was done to draw a comparison between the developmental theory of
Erik H Erikson and the classical and more contemporary views on these concepts. Erikson
described eight life stages in human development. The research focuses on the first six stages
which culminates in achievement of intimacy and identity. The research showed that six
concepts, trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity and intimacy, are intertwined in the
development of a healthy personality. This information need to be used in the counselling
and ministry process.
The second aim was to measure the psychological adjustment of late-adolescents by means
of two questionaires: the EPSI-scale. (Eriksonian Psychological Stage Inventory) and the
Erikson-scale. The questionaires were structured to measure the six major concepts of
Erikon's theory. The lack of correlation between the EPSI and Eriksonian scales opens the
door to research on a questionaire which can measure the Eriksonian concepts of
psychosocial development.
The following methods were used in the processing of the results of the questionaires:
Student T-test for small groups and the Spearman correlational coefficient. The variables that
were tested were sex, age and ethnicity. There were no statistical significant differences
among the scores of the three ethnical groups. This leads to the conclusion that Erikson's
theory is applicable to the South African adolescent population.
Identity and psychosocial adjustment are major concepts in the development of lateadolescents
and could be regarded as a relevant field of study.