Discuss the relationship between physical change and development of identity during adolescence.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of the relationship between physical change and development of identity during adolescence.

Relevant content may provide an outline of the emergence of primary and secondary sexual characteristics then show how that affects identity formation during adolescence, such as:

• Simmons and Blyth (1987) – the cultural ideal hypothesis
• Ferron (1997) – cultural differences in the way adolescents view bodily changes
• Mead’s cross-cultural theory
• studies on the timing of puberty and its impact on body image, self-esteem and behaviour: Brooks-Gunn and Paikoff (1993); Blyth, Bulcroft and Simmons (1981); Jones (1965).

Discussion may include, but is not limited to:

• the difficulty of generalizing the psychological effects of physical changes – theydepend on the timing of puberty and they differ in boys and girls
• biology is not the only factor influencing the development of identity
• culture is a strong determinant in self-perception and body shape perception
• puberty’s effects on development of identity may not be as strong as once believed.

Responses should focus on the link between physical changes and identity development. Physical changes have psychological ramifications that contribute to an adolescent’s sense of self.

If a candidate only addresses development of identity or only addresses physical change in adolescence, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [4] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.