Reference no: EM133879908

Discussion Prompt: Exploring the Influences of Identity Development

Mike was a good kid. He grew up in a Christian home, had parents who loved him unconditionally, and personally committed his life to Christ at an early age. Mike's parents were first-generation Christians and came from a long line of addicted family members. Addiction was not an issue in Mike's immediate family. His entire family was involved in the church - mom was involved in women's ministry, dad was an elder, and Mike and his sisters were leaders in the youth group. Upon entering the 10th grade, Mike started to hang out with the wrong crowd and over time became addicted to cocaine and heroin. Throughout the ordeal, Mike's parents remained loving, doing whatever they could to get help for him. Nothing seemed to work. Mike ran away from each rehab center he went to. One night, Mike came home in an altered state of mind and proceeded to vandalize his parents' home. That night, Mike was arrested and sent to a residential rehab center in Texas. Two weeks later he ran away from that facility and became homeless. He lived on the streets of Dallas for two years. Finally, he hit rock bottom and sought out help for himself.

• Were Mike's struggles due to his identity development? His personality? Motivation? Biological/genetic predisposition? Traits? How did you come to your answer and why?
• Based on our studies thus far, think about how the different aspects of personality shape and affect our lives. How has your own personality development shaped your decisions and journey?
• Where does your faith development enter the picture?