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.