Talia, a 17-year-old biracial (Caucasian/Asian) female, is currently a senior in high school. She lives with her mother and her younger brother. The family is currently struggling financially. Talia’s parents divorced when she was 4 and her father moved away; their contact with him is infrequent. She sometimes feels as though a part of her identity is “missing” as she has learned very little about her Asian background and culture due to the absence of her father over the years. Talia has experienced a drop in self-esteem over the past year due to developmental struggles. She is beginning to feel pressure about her future plans and is having trouble making a decision. She has attended a vocational program for cosmetology during her junior and senior year, but is also interested in teaching or possibly culinary school.
1. Using Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development or Marcia’s approach to identity development, assess Talia’s current struggle with her future plans.
2. Examine the influence of culture and cultural identity on Talia’s situation.
3. Suggest interventions to assist Talia in resolving her current conflict and to improve her self-esteem
