Baxter Magolda's Self-Authorship Theory Flashcards
What is Self-Authorship Theory?
self-authorship is the internal capacity to define one’s beliefs, identity, and social relations.
What are the four phases in the journey toward self-authorship, going in the order of external to internal?
- Following formulas
- crossroads
- Becoming the author of one’s life
- Internal Foundation
What is the following formulas?
In the following formulas phase, the student relies on authority figures in order to determine what they think and how to accomplish their work.
They allow others to define who they are and what they think they should do, leading to failing to find meaningful work because it does not reflect their actual interests.
Who are the external forces involved in the following formulas?
External forces can include parents, a significant other, and mentors.
What is the crossroads phases?
Crossroads is when the student is dissatisfied by how they have been defined by others.
They begin desiring to create their own sense of self and start questioning their path.
They attempt to resolve tension between what they want and what others want.
What is the becoming the authors of one’s life?
Becoming the author of one’s life is when the student chooses one’s beliefs and stands up for them.
The student has done intensive self-reflection and are able to develop a strong self-concept.
They become more careful in making relationships commitments to ensure they are honoring the self they are constructing.
What is the internal foundation?
Internal foundation phase is when the student has solidified a comprehensive belief system.
They accept ambiguity and are open to change.
They make life decisions based on their internal foundation.
