Identity

Question 1

Self-Reflection

Answer 1

Adolescents begin to think about themselves in ways that children cannot.

Question 2

Self-Conceptions

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Self-Esteem

Answer 3

How we feel about ourselves.

Question 4

Identity

Answer 4

Who we are.

Question 5

Abstract (Self-Concept)

Answer 5

The self is a concept (more trait-focused). E.g. “I am caring and nurturing”

Question 6

Complex (Self-Concept)

Answer 6

• Recognize that aspects of the self can differ across time/situations.
• Can be contradictory.

Question 7

Differentiated (Self-Concept)

Answer 7

*Consideration of contextual/situational factors. E.g. “Shy around new people” but “Loud and funny with friends”

Question 8

Integrated (Self-Concept)

Answer 8

• Recognition of discrepancies.

* Movement towards a coherent, consistent idea of the self. E.g. “Happy sometimes, sad sometimes = Sensitive/Emotional”

Question 9

Self-Esteem

Answer 9

• How you FEEL about yourself.

* Overall sense of worth and well being.

Question 10

Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale

Answer 10

Baseline Self-Esteem and Barometric Self-Esteem

Question 11

Baseline Self-Esteem (Rosenberg)

Answer 11

Relatively stable. Changes occur slowly over and extended period of time. Decreases from childhood into early adolescence.

Question 12

Barometric Self-Esteem (Rosenberg)

Answer 12

Fluctuating. Short-term changes. Contextually determined. Swings wider and more frequent in early adolescence.

Question 13

Erik Erikson’s Identity Theory

Answer 13

• 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.

Question 14

Identity Confusion

Answer 14

Failure to establish commitments to sense of self by end of adolescence.

Question 15

James Marcia’s Identity Status Model

Answer 15

Identity Exploration & Identity Commitment.

Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, Achievement.

Question 16

Identity Exploration

Answer 16

Searching out and examining alternatives.

Question 17

Identity Commitment

Answer 17

Choosing a belief, making a personal investment.

Question 18

Diffusion (James Marica)

Answer 18

Apathetic
Disconnected
School difficulties
Psychological problems

Question 19

Foreclosure

Answer 19

Closed-Minded
Rigid
Resistant to change
Higher on conformity 
Obedience to authority

Question 20

Moratorium

Answer 20

Open-Minded
Thoughtful
Anxious
Less decisive

Question 21

Achievement

Answer 21

Decision-Making 
Problem-Solving 
Better relationships
Personal adjustment 
School adjustment 
Self-Directed

Question 22

Identity Orientations

Answer 22

Relative importance/value that individuals place on different identity attributes when constructing their self-definitions.

Question 23

Cheek & Colleagues’ Aspect of Identity

Answer 23

Individual, Relational, Public, and Collective

Question 24

Individual

Answer 24

Personal aspects to the individual that are particularly important in defining identity.
*Personal, private, intrapsychic experiences, traits, and views.

Question 25

Relational

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Public

Answer 26

Importance of public aspects of identity such as reputation, public image, popularity, attractiveness to others.

Question 27

Collective

Answer 27

Identity derived from a shared sense of belonging to a group.
*Often expressed through a group’s cultures and traditions.