Identity Flashcards
Self-Reflection
Adolescents begin to think about themselves in ways that children cannot.
Self-Conceptions
How we think about ourselves.
Side note:
- For Children, a self-conception consists of external & concrete traits. E.g. “I like the colour pink”
- For Adolescents, self-conceptions are abstract, complex, differentiated, and integrated. They are also more internal/private, complicated, and reflective.
Self-Esteem
How we feel about ourselves.
Identity
Who we are.
Abstract (Self-Concept)
The self is a concept (more trait-focused). E.g. “I am caring and nurturing”
Complex (Self-Concept)
- Recognize that aspects of the self can differ across time/situations.
- Can be contradictory.
Differentiated (Self-Concept)
*Consideration of contextual/situational factors. E.g. “Shy around new people” but “Loud and funny with friends”
Integrated (Self-Concept)
- Recognition of discrepancies.
* Movement towards a coherent, consistent idea of the self. E.g. “Happy sometimes, sad sometimes = Sensitive/Emotional”
Self-Esteem
- How you FEEL about yourself.
* Overall sense of worth and well being.
Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale
Baseline Self-Esteem and Barometric Self-Esteem
Baseline Self-Esteem (Rosenberg)
Relatively stable. Changes occur slowly over and extended period of time. Decreases from childhood into early adolescence.
Barometric Self-Esteem (Rosenberg)
Fluctuating. Short-term changes. Contextually determined. Swings wider and more frequent in early adolescence.
Erik Erikson’s Identity Theory
- Each period of life is characterized by a distinct ‘crisis’
- Triggers self-reflection, motivation to explore choices, and ultimately commitment.
Adolescent Crisis: identity vs. identity confusion.
Identity Confusion
Failure to establish commitments to sense of self by end of adolescence.
James Marcia’s Identity Status Model
Identity Exploration & Identity Commitment.
Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, Achievement.
Identity Exploration
Searching out and examining alternatives.
Identity Commitment
Choosing a belief, making a personal investment.
Diffusion (James Marica)
Apathetic
Disconnected
School difficulties
Psychological problems
Foreclosure
Closed-Minded Rigid Resistant to change Higher on conformity Obedience to authority
Moratorium
Open-Minded
Thoughtful
Anxious
Less decisive
Achievement
Decision-Making Problem-Solving Better relationships Personal adjustment School adjustment Self-Directed
Identity Orientations
Relative importance/value that individuals place on different identity attributes when constructing their self-definitions.
Cheek & Colleagues’ Aspect of Identity
Individual, Relational, Public, and Collective
Individual
Personal aspects to the individual that are particularly important in defining identity.
*Personal, private, intrapsychic experiences, traits, and views.
Relational
Aspects of identity tied into relationships/social interactions.
*Importance of interpersonal aspects of identity, such as relationships with others, qualities of relationships, feelings of connectedness.
Public
Importance of public aspects of identity such as reputation, public image, popularity, attractiveness to others.
Collective
Identity derived from a shared sense of belonging to a group.
*Often expressed through a group’s cultures and traditions.
