Name __________________________________
Period ________
PSYCHOLOGY HONORS
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
PAPER ASSIGNMENT
Throughout the past week, we have looked at adolescent development, through concepts including selfconcept, self-esteem, identity development and moral development. In order to bring all of these concepts
together, we will be watching The Breakfast Club. The film portrays the relationships and inner journeys
of five suburban high school students serving a one-day detention at school. In the course of the film,
each student moves from the posturing and external identity of prototypical mid–late adolescents to a
revealing recognition of their inner worlds and the similarities that exist between them. While you watch
the film, take notes on each character in terms of their self-concept, self-esteem and identity development.
Note any particular scenes or lines that appear to be a telling point in any of these categories.
Additionally, you may want to note any scenes where we start to see a change in the characters. After we
watch the movie, you will write a paper analyzing these different components for each of the five main
characters.
Assignment:
Write a 3-4 page paper analyzing how each of the five main characters changed during the course of the
movie. Be sure to include:
1. Identity Development
a. What stage are they in at the start of the movie? Be specific with the characters
b. Is there anything during the movie that causes them to relook at their identity?
c. What stage are they in at the end of the movie? Be specific
2. Self-Concept/Self-Esteem
a. Identify the components of each character’s self concept (Academic, physical, social)
b. What evidence do you have to support your identifications
c. Do you see any changes throughout the movie in each of the characters?
3. Crowd Recognition
a. What crowd/group is each character in at the start of the movie? How can you tell? Does
each character have a strong, moderate or weak identification with his/her group?
b. Do you think at the end of the movie, the characters are reconsidering their group
identification?
c. Do you think at the end of the movie, the characters change the degree of which they
identify with their group? (i.e. strong to weak, moderate to strong, etc)
Be sure to use specific examples/scenes/lines from the movie as evidence to support your claims.
Papers must be typed, double-spaced in 12 point Times New Roman font with 1inch margins. Please
include a heading at the top of the page, along with page numbers.
Papers will be deducted 10 points per day late.
Please use proper grammar/spelling/punctuation. Points will be taken off for poor grammar/mechanics.
Additionally NO CONTRACTIONS!!!
DUE DATE: ___________________________________