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Essay Quiz
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1

According to Sullivan, the development of intimacy in preadolescence must precede the development of identity. In contrast, Erikson proposes that a sense of self-identity is required before the adolescent will be capable of true intimacy. Research designed to resolve the apparent contradictory theories has been inconclusive. In your opinion, can the two theories be reconciled, and if so, how?
2

Why do some psychologists argue that Erikson’s conceptualization of the relationship between intimacy and identity is more reflective of male development and Sullivan’s is more reflective of female development? Have these developmental theorists failed to incorporate gender differences in the way that adolescents become intimate with family, friends and romantic partners? In what ways are the developmental theories of Erikson and Sullivan in agreement?
3

How might the material on attachment and attachment styles discussed in the text be useful in working with couples who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships? How do males and females regard intimacy in the context of a romantic relationship? How do members of different genders regard attachment as a component of a romantic relationship?
4

By 2004, gay rights activists and socially conservative legislators approached a difficult political impasse. The President of the United States publicly lent his support to a proposal to add a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage by defining marriage as being only between a man and a woman. Gay and lesbian adolescents, referred to as “sexual-minority youth” in the text, begin in their adolescent years to deal with issues such as whether or not their friends and family will accept their sexual orientation. While the outcome of the proposed ban is not known at the time of printing this study guide, how do you think such a ban would affect the psychological well-being of these gay and lesbian adolescents?
5

You are the counselor of a 14-year-old girl who has started a serious relationship with a 17 year old boy. Although she is not yet sexually active with the boy, she is strongly considering having such relations with him. Your client has indicated that she has no close same-sex friendships, is typically insecure in most social situations, and is showing some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety. You determine that it is important that her parents be included in an intervention to prevent a deepening psychological crisis from developing. What might the parents examine in their own parenting methods that might have, in part, contributed to the present dilemma? What recommendations would you, as the family counselor, have for her parents?





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