Taren Moran's Identity Development in Adolescence- Role of Spirituality Essay

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Identity Development in Adolescence: Role of Spirituality Essay Grand Canyon University Course Number: MHW-522-O500 Taren Moran August 9 th , 2023 1

Spirituality can have many leads in the lives we live. “Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life.” ( What Is Spirituality? | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing , n.d.) The first stages of life (infancy, early childhood, and middle childhood) have parental influences in all aspects. Until adolescence, a family’s spiritual or religious practices are thought to help instill values, social behavior, and how to act in society. Adolescents seek out individuality and search for meaning in their lives. Spirituality helps adolescents find their way and stand for what they believe in. “Spirituality also helps adolescents build healthy relationships with their peers and keep an open communication with their parents.” (Surpur, 2021) Our religion and spirituality help us go through changes in our bodies, mind, and relationships. Often teens will attend youth groups and/or programs to find their peace within society. Teen programs help them get to know other teens like themselves and find things that they have in common. Teens who believe in different religious views than their families can reach out to youth group centers, other churches and even their school counselor. Since Covid we see more mental health counselors in our schools. We also see more help available to those who need it in their school. School can be a safe place for adolescents to find someone they trust to talk to and get the help they need. When teens are trying to find their place in society and explore the world around them, they often have a lot of questions. There are resources that can be available to them and their families so they can navigate through life. When teenagers and parents might have sexual development issues from a religious stance they can turn to their local church and often local youth group. They can also turn to a counselor within their school 2

and be provided with resources available to them. Depending on where you live there are often community centers that have support groups and people who can assist with growing older and coming into your own person. You can investigate a community center such as YMCA where they offer many programs to teens and their families to help them become more comfortable in the lives they lead. As a mental health worker, we can provide those in need with resources in the community to help them through life. Community centers and church youth groups can help teens find their own being and step into a life they are comfortable in. It is important to remember that spirituality helps promote transcendence and interdependence. Meaning teens or youth can think about life in the context of the world around them. Families of teens can show their support by being non-judgmental and allowing teens in finding their place. Offering a caring place and a free zone where teens know they are going to be loved. The GCU statement of integration of work and faith established that humanity was created with the image of God and his creation. Even when in hard times, God restores and redeems. God has helped us see that we must be confident in the work he has done and the plan that he has for us. As a Christian mental health worker, we can provide help to those families in need by leading them to resources that help them in times in need. A professional who has a positive attitude can lead those who might struggle into healing in their new way of life. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes teenagers suffer in silence, unsure what’s wrong or how to ask for help. An estimated 20% of teens struggle with a mental health issue.” (Weems, 2020) Someone who has a mental health struggle might not reach out for help but more people talking 3

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