The child/adolescent has now developed the capacity for abstract thinking and conceptualization. Additionally s/he has moved beyond the egocentricism of the previous stages towards significant awareness of the other and their internal identity. As s/he begins to form deep personal relations with people outside of the immediate family system, the person experiences her/himself through the mirror of interaction with the other.
Marked by a increased sensitivity for the other's identity and needs this stage of development is often charecterized by the deep passion and increased social concern of adolescence. Primarily defined by relation to her/his social culture meaning and values are generally the tacitly accepted norms of her/his community.
| Characteristics of Stage Mutuality, |
Culture of Embeddedness Mutual |
Confirmation: Supporting Stasis Collaboration, |
Contradiction: Moving Beyond Movement Away from |
