Adolescence represents a crucial developmental phase where individuals transition from childhood to adulthood, facing various psychological changes. A key aspect of this phase is the influence of peer relationships on self-identity and decision-making. Researchers have identified multiple theories that seek to explain how adolescents navigate these relationships and their impact on identity formation.
One influential theory is the Social Identity Theory, which posits that individuals derive a sense of self from the groups they belong to. In the context of adolescence, how does this theory explain the tendency of adolescents to conform to peer norms, and what implications does this have for their identity development?