Prior to adolescence, one's identity is an extension of one's parents. During adolescence, a young person begins to recognize her or his uniqueness and separation from parents. The adolescent must establish adult vocational goals. Adolescents must identify, at least at a preliminary level what are their adult vocational goals and how they intend to achieve those goals. The adolescent must establish emotional and psychological independence from his or her parents.
Childhood is marked by strong dependence on one's parents.
Adolescents may yearn to keep that safe, secure, supportive, dependent relationship. Yet, to be an adult implies a sense of independence, of autonomy, of being one's own person. Adolescents may vacillate between their desire for dependence and their need to be independent. In an attempt to assert their need for independence and individuality, adolescents may respond with what appears to be hostility and lack of cooperation. The adolescent must develop stable and productive peer relationships.