Final answer:
Adolescents lacking positive adult engagement often define their self-concept based on peer feedback and their own subjective viewpoints. This reliance can result in a fragile self-identity vulnerable to peer pressure and may lead to role confusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the consistent absence of positively influential, personally engaged adults, adolescents are more inclined to define their self-concept and worth by the feedback they receive from their peers and their own subjective construction of reality. During the adolescent stage, which is central to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, teenagers work to establish their identity, grappling with questions like “Who am I?” and “What do I want to do with my life?” Adolescence is characterized by a shift towards peer groups and a decrease in parental influence, signaled by an emotional separation from parents as they strive for greater independence. However, parental influence remains significant, as warm and healthy parent-child relationships are associated with positive outcomes like better grades and reduced school behavior problems. Without the presence of engaging adults, adolescents may rely more heavily on peer acceptance and may be more susceptible to peer pressure, potentially leading to a weaker sense of self and greater role confusion.