This document analyzes a study that explored personality disorder symptoms in adolescence using Erikson's developmental theory. The study used a sample of 174 young people to evaluate how personality disorders related to well-being during puberty. The author provides a detailed critical analysis of the study's introduction, purpose, clarity of ideas, statements, assumptions, and discussion. Overall, the author concludes the study effectively applied Erikson's theory to better understand how personality disorders impact adolescent development.

1. Running Head: The Course and Psychosocial Correlates of
Personality Disorder Symptoms in Adolescence
1
Chelsea Plant
NickolasDominello, Ph.D.
PSY 216
January 10, 2016
INTRODUCTION
In this article personality disorder symptoms were explored by
using a sample on 174 young people to evaluate their affiliation
with well-being during puberty. In order to identity
consolidation, Erikson’s theory of psychosocial growth and
development were used and variations in pubertal well-being
were theorized as indirect gauges.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS (PART I)
1.1 Abstract and Introduction
This article is a master piece in the literature history as from the
beginning to end; it thoroughly explains and describes each and
every aspect of the concerned topic. The title is well
representative of the subject matter. It clearly highlights the
area, personality disorder symptoms by using Erikson’s

2. development theory which will be discussed in the article.
Indeed the caption of the article is a marvel which unlocks the
truth about the article. Its beginning is so powerful that it grabs
the attention of the reader and the abstract is well augmented by
the focus sentences of the entire article. Hence, its title is a
gateway to the abstract leading the readers to move towards the
abstract and main content of the paper. Therefore, the author
has done full justice in selecting the most appropriate title
which correlates with the abstract to achieve maximum
readership for its paper.
1.2 Purpose of the Article
The objective of the article is very clear in the introduction. The
author has clearly stated the idea and rational behind the paper.
It explains that personality syndromes reveal maladaptive and
rigid personality attributes that are displayed in an extensive
range of communal and personal circumstances and cause
noteworthy functional deficiency or subjective grief (American
Psychiatric Association, 1994). Earlier it was believed that
personality disorders occurred in adulthood only, but now
researchers have identified that they can appear even at an early
stage of adolescence. Adolescent’s personality disorders are
related to functional deficiency in interpersonal relations and
academic enactment (Bernstein, 1993).
In order to explore how personality disorders have effect on the
psychosocial growth and development, the study will make use
of longitudinal data from a public sample. Psychosocial
development theories of Erikson’s (Erikson, 1950,
1968)demonstrates different phases of normal and abnormal
persona growth, which laid foundation to frame hypotheses
about how personality disorders would have an effect on
normative errands of puberty and adolescent maturity:
i. Framing welfare through the consolidation of identity.
ii. Formulating understanding in the form of long-lasting and
dedicated romantic associations
1.3 Clarity of idea
The author has a very clear vision, complete and thorough

3. understanding about the topic, therefore he demonstrates the
central idea very effectively and in meaningful terms. All the
views, methods and concepts are given equal weight age.
Therefore, every part of paper is well balanced and well-
adjusted. Neither any idea nor any concept is over or under
valued and even over or under expressed. The author has left no
space for amendments, while explaining the central theme of the
paper.
However, only one perspective was casted little light on it and
that is latent growth models examined the vigorous forces that
have an effect on teen development without taking into
consideration how and when young people settle individual
clashes of individuality or relationship, thereby authorizing
them to alter their course of paths. Hence it would be more
fruitful and beneficial to explore such turning points and how
they can have long-lasting effects on a young individual’s
growth and development.
1.4 Clarity of statements
Apart from the idea, the author is also very clear in expressing
his views as well. Precision and simple language has further
enhanced its value and worth. All the statements are focused
and specific. There is a continuous linkage between each other
and are well organized. There does not occur any sort of
ambiguity in any statement or sentence. There exists a
continuous flow in the statements which makes it reader
friendly. Hence, it can rightly be said that the author knows the
tactics to capture the interest of reader by use of simple,
effective, meaningful and precise language.
1.5 Underlying assumptions
No specific assumptions were made in the study as it is based
on latent growth models using Erick’s theory of growth and
development.
1.6 Authors attitude towards discussion
The author discussed the results very realistically. He was
unbiased in forming his opinion. The author through his word
choice, figurative language, sentence structure and grammatical

4. hold shows the adoption of objective attitude towards writing of
paper. In the paper, descriptive details are confined, and the
author represented a sensible view of the subject by recognizing
other perspectives and quoting rational explanations held by
consistent, well-sourced evidences.
SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS (PART II)
The rationale behind choosing this particular paper was that
personality disorders has been a subject of great interest for me.
It was great opportunity to learn more about it by selecting this
paper. I have got better understanding and insight of it now.
Erikson’s theory is certainly beneficial up to this time. It works
as a worldwide and eternal guide on the growth of every
individual and basis of core elucidations on what’s, how whys,
etc. of their life. These mostly describe phases of man and its
development, or the psychosocial crises are rational and offer
perceptive explanations that provide the details of how the
human character actually progresses. It merely refers to the
perception of the means (stages, tasks, and resolutions) on how
we matured into adults. There are a number of research studies
that take into account the application of the theory (e.g. Jenkins
et al, 2005; Markstrom, 1999; Zauszniewski & Martin, 1999;
Johnson, 1993; Salamon, 1993; Ginsburg, 1992).
REFERENCES
American Psychiatric Association. 1994. Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn.). American
Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC.
Bernstein, D. P., Cohen, P., Velez, C. N., Schwab-Stone, M.,
Siever, L. J., and Shinsato, L. 1993. Prevalence and stability of
the DSM-III-R personality disorders in a community-based
survey of adolescents. Am. J. Psychol. 150: 1237–1243.
Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. Norton, New
York.

5. Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. Norton, New
York.
Ginsburg, H. J. 1992. Childhood Injuries and Erikson
Psychosocial Stages. Social Behavior and Personality, Vol. 20,
No. 2, pp. 95.
Jenkins, S. M., Buboltz, Jr., W.C., Schwartz, J.P., & Johnson, P.
2005. Differentiation of self and psychosocial development.
Contemporary Family Therapy, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 251-261.
Jonhson, J. G. 1993. Relationships between Psychosocial
Development and Personality-Disorder Symptomatology in Late
Adolescents.Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Vol. 22, No. 1,
pp. 33-42.
Markstrom, C. A. 1999. Religious involvement and adolescent
psychosocial Development. Journal of Adolescence, 22, pp.
205-221.
Salamone, F. 1993. Erikson In Nigeria - Exploring The
Universality Of The Theory Of Psychosocial
Development. Anthropos, Vol. 88, Nos. 1-3, pp. 87.
Zauszniewski, J. A. & Martin, M. H. 1999. Developmental Task
Achievement and Learned Resourcefulness in Healthy Older
Adults. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Vol. XIII, No. 1
(February), pp. 41-47.
Course: PSY Milestone
Title:
The Course and Psychosocial Correlates of Personality Disorder
Symptoms in Adolescence: Erikson’s Developmental Theory
Revisited
Submitted to:
Submitted by:

6. Date of submission:
Title:The Course and Psychosocial Correlates of Personality
Disorder Symptoms in Adolescence: Erikson’s Developmental
Theory Revisited
INTRODUCTION
In this article personality disorder symptoms were explored by
using a sample on 174 young people to evaluate their affiliation
with well-being during puberty. In order to identity
consolidation, Erikson’s theory of psychosocial growth and
development were used and variations in pubertal well-being
were theorized as indirect gauges.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS (PART I)
1.1 Abstract and Introduction
This article is a master piece in the literature history as from the
beginning to end; it thoroughly explains and describes each and
every aspect of the concerned topic. The title is well
representative of the subject matter. It clearly highlights the
area, personality disorder symptoms by using Erikson’s
development theory which will be discussed in the article.
Indeed the caption of the article is a marvel which unlocks the
truth about the article. Its beginning is so powerful that it grabs
the attention of the reader and the abstract is well augmented by
the focus sentences of the entire article. Hence, its title is a
gateway to the abstract leading the readers to move towards the
abstract and main content of the paper. Therefore, the author
has done full justice in selecting the most appropriate title
which correlates with the abstract to achieve maximum
readership for its paper.
1.2 Purpose of the Article

7. The objective of the article is very clear in the introduction. The
author has clearly stated the idea and rational behind the paper.
It explains that personality syndromes reveal maladaptive and
rigid personality attributes that are displayed in an extensive
range of communal and personal circumstances and cause
noteworthy functional deficiency or subjective grief (American
Psychiatric Association, 1994).Earlier it was believed that
personality disorders occurred in adulthood only, but now
researchers have identified that they can appear even at an early
stage of adolescence. Adolescent’s personality disorders are
related to functional deficiency in interpersonal relations and
academic enactment (Bernstein et al., 1993).
In order to explore how personality disorders have effect on the
psychosocial growth and development, the study will make use
of longitudinal data from a public sample. Psychosocial
development theories of Erikson’s (Erikson, 1950, 1968)
demonstrates different phases of normal and abnormal persona
growth, which laid foundation to frame hypotheses about how
personality disorders would have an effect on normative errands
of puberty and adolescent maturity:
i. Framing welfare through the consolidation of identity.
ii. Formulating understanding in the form of long-lasting and
dedicated romantic associations
1.3 Clarity of idea
The author has a very clear vision, complete and thorough
understanding about the topic, therefore he demonstrates the
central idea very effectively and in meaningful terms. All the
views, methods and concepts are given equal weightage.
Therefore, every part of paper is well balanced and well-
adjusted. Neither any idea nor any concept is over or under
valued and even over or under expressed. The author has left no
space for amendments, while explaining the central theme of the
paper.
However, only one perspective was casted little light on it and
that is latent growth models examined the vigorous forces that
have an effect on teen development without taking into

8. consideration how and when young people settle individual
clashes of individuality or relationship, thereby authorizing
them to alter their course of paths. Hence it would be more
fruitful and beneficial to explore such turning points and how
they can have long-lasting effects on a young individual’s
growth and development.
1.4 Clarity of statements
Apart from the idea, the author is also very clear in expressing
his views as well. Precision and simple language has further
enhanced its value and worth. All the statements are focused
and specific. There is a continuous linkage between each other
and are well organized. There does not occur any sort of
ambiguity in any statement or sentence. There exists a
continuous flow in the statements which makes it reader
friendly. Hence, it can rightly be said that the author knows the
tactics to capture the interest of reader by use of simple,
effective, meaningful and precise language.
1.5 Underlying assumptions
No specific assumptions were made in the study as it is based
on latent growth models using Erick’s theory of growth and
development.
1.6 Authors attitude towards discussion
The author discussed the results very realistically. He was
unbiased in forming his opinion. The author through his word
choice, figurative language, sentence structure and grammatical
hold shows the adoption of objective attitude towards writing of
paper. In the paper, descriptive details are confined, and the
author represented a sensible view of the subject by recognizing
other perspectives and quoting rational explanations held by
consistent, well-sourced evidences.
SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS (PART II)
The rationale behind choosing this particular paper was that
personality disorders has been a subject of great interest for me.
It was great opportunity to learn more about it by selecting this
paper. I have got better understanding and insight of it now.

9. Erikson’s theory is certainly beneficial up to this time. It works
as a worldwide and eternal guide on the growth of every
individual and basis of core elucidations on what’s, how whys,
etc. of their life. These mostly describe phases of man and its
development, or the psychosocial crises, are rational and offers
perceptive explanations that provide the details of how the
human character actually progresses. It merely refers to the
perception of the means (stages, tasks, and resolutions) on how
we matured into adults. There are a number of research studies
that take into account the application of the theory (e.g. Jenkins
et al, 2005; Markstrom, 1999; Zauszniewski & Martin, 1999;
Johnson, 1993; Salamon, 1993; Ginsburg, 1992).
REFERENCES
1. American Psychiatric Association. 1994. Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn.). American
Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC.
2. Bernstein, D. P., Cohen, P., Velez, C. N., Schwab-Stone, M.,
Siever, L. J., and Shinsato, L. 1993. Prevalence and stability of
the DSM-III-R personality disorders in a community-based
survey of adolescents. Am. J. Psychol. 150: 1237–1243.
3. Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. Norton, New
York.
4. Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. Norton,
New York.
5. Ginsburg, H. J. 1992. Childhood Injuries and Erikson
Psychosocial Stages. Social Behavior and Personality, Vol. 20,
No. 2, pp. 95.
6. Jenkins, S. M., Buboltz, Jr., W.C., Schwartz, J.P., & Johnson,
P. 2005. Differentiation of self and psychosocial development.
Contemporary Family Therapy, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 251-261.
7. Jonhson, J. G. 1993. Relationships between Psychosocial
Development and Personality-Disorder Symptomatology in Late
Adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Vol. 22, No. 1,

10. pp. 33-42.
8. Markstrom, C. A. 1999. Religious involvement and
adolescent psychosocial Development. Journal of Adolescence,
22, pp. 205-221.
9. Salamone, F. 1993. Erikson In Nigeria - Exploring The
Universality Of The Theory Of Psychosocial
Development. Anthropos, Vol. 88, Nos. 1-3, pp. 87.
10. Zauszniewski, J. A . & Martin, M. H. 1999. Developmental
Task Achievement and Learned Resourcefulness in Healthy
Older Adults. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Vol. XIII, No. 1
(February), pp. 41-47.