Module 7: Identity Formation Flashcards
cisgender
an umbrella term used to describe people whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their sex assigned at birth
foreclosure
term for premature identity formation, which occurs when an adolescent adopts their parents’ or society’s role and values without questioning or analysis, according to Marcia’s theory
gender
a term that refers to social or cultural distinctions of behaviors that are considered male, female, or another gender
gender dysphoria
a disorder listed in the DSM-5 in which people whose gender/sex assigned at birth is contrary to the gender they identify with. This condition replaces “gender identity disorder”
gender expression
how one demonstrates gender (based on traditional gender role norms related to clothing, behavior, and interactions); can be feminine, masculine, androgynous, or somewhere along a spectrum
gender identity
the way that one thinks about gender and self-identifies, can be woman, man, or genderqueer
identity achievement
Erikson’s term for the attainment of identity, or the point at which a person understands who they are as a unique individual, in accord with past experiences and future plans; already questioned and made commitment according to Marcia’s theory
identity vs. role confusion
Erikson’s term for the fifth stage of development, in which the person tries to figure out “Who am I?” but is confused as to which of many possible roles to adopt
moratorium
an adolescent’s choice of a socially acceptable way to postpone making identity-achievement decisions. Going to college is a common example. Engaged in questioning, but not yet making a commitment, according to Marcia’s theory
role confusion
a situation in which an adolescent does not seem to know or care what their identity is. (Sometimes called identity diffusion or role diffusion)
self-concept
our individual perceptions of our behavior, abilities, and unique characteristics. It is essentially a mental picture of who you are as a person. For example, beliefs such as “I am a good friend” or “I am a kind person” are part of an overall self-concept
self-esteem
considered an important component of emotional health, self-esteem encompasses both self-confidence and self-acceptance. It is the way individuals perceive themselves and their self-value
sex
a term that denotes the presence of physical or physiological differences between males and females
transgender
a term used to describe people whose sense of personal identity does not correspond with their sex assigned at birth
