Week 1 Reflection


I don’t think that high schools should encourage negative identity formation, simply given the potential risks and dangers. For some, negative identity formation could result in health consequences (i.e. drug use) or legal ramifications. This may especially impact low income or minority students, who not only may be more at risk, but whose consequences can be particularly detrimental and long-lasting.

However, I strongly believe that educators/staff/administrators should be aware of why an adolescent may be struggling with negative identity formation. If an adolescent doesn’t try to succeed in school, it often isn’t because he or she simply doesn’t care. If an adolescent gets involved with drug use or crime, that doesn’t make them a hopeless case. If an adolescent is struggling with developing a clear and positive identity, it’s probably for a reason.

It’s human nature to assign labels to people; a way of quickly categorizing others in order to better remember them. Students that rebel against positive social norms (getting good grades, avoiding drugs and alcohol etc.) is often labeled as a ‘bad kid,’ making it difficult to return to a positive track. It is important that educators understand what drives their students to behave like they do. Rather than writing them off as unworthy of attention or support, they need to focus on finding new and different ways to connect to them and help them.

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