Psychosocial 2

Question 1

Define the term identity.

Answer 1

A firm and coherent sense of who you are, where you are heading, and where you fit into society

Question 2

Outline Erikson’s theory of identity formation.

Answer 2

The process of forming a secure sense of self which involves the integration of the individual self and the social self into a single identity.

Question 3

Outline Erikson’s theory of identity development in adolescence - Identity versus role confusion.

Answer 3

Adolescents start to regard themselves as unique persons with their own identity and value system. If this development fails to take place, confusion and insecurity develop.

Question 4

List Erikson’s four aspects of identity.

Answer 4

Vocation
Politics
Religion
Sexual - Gender identity

Question 5

List James Marcia’s Identity Statuses.

Answer 5

Diffusion
Foreclosure
Moratorium
Identity Achievement

Question 6

What is a crisis?

Answer 6

Process through which adolescents actively examine their future opportunities.

Question 7

What is commitment?

Answer 7

Individual’s personal involvement in, and dedication to the goals, values, beliefs, and future occupation.

Question 8

Outline identity diffusion/role confusion.

Answer 8

No crisis

No commitment

Question 9

Outlie the characteristics of identity diffusion/role confusion.

Answer 9

Characterized by a lack of commitment to any goals or values; avoid issues and actions Individual does not seem to know or care what his or her identity is Some individuals seem unfocused and/or unconcerned about their future; thinking is disorganized and they procrastinate

Question 10

Outline foreclosure.

Answer 10

No crisis

Commitment

Question 11

Outline the characteristics of foreclosure.

Answer 11

Individual has latched onto an identity prematurely without much thought
Accept traditional values without question
Follow roles and customs transmitted from their parents, society or culture (no crisis/exploration)

Question 12

Outline moratorium.

Answer 12

Crisis

No commitment

Question 13

Outline the characteristics of moratorium.

Answer 13

The individual is currently experiencing an identity crisis and is actively raising questions and seeking answers
To postpone making identity achievement decisions

Question 14

Outline identity achievement.

Answer 14

Crisis

Commitment

Question 15

Outline the characterisitcs of identity achievement.

Answer 15

The individual has resolved his or her identity crisis and made commitments to goals, beliefs and values

Question 16

What are the family factors contributing to identity diffusion?

Answer 16

Parents may neglect or reject their children and be distant to them.

Question 17

What are the family factors contribution to foreclosure?

Answer 17

Parents are loving but overly protective and controlling.

Question 18

What are the family factors contributing to moratorium?

Answer 18

There is a solid base of affection at home. Adolescents are often involved in an ambivalent struggle with parental authority.

Question 19

What are the family factors contributing to identity achievement?

Answer 19

Parents encourage autonomy/independence. Differences are explored within a context of support.

Question 20

What are the personality factors contributing to identity diffusiom?

Answer 20

Low levels of ego development, moral reasoning, self-certainty and poor cooperative abilities

Question 21

What are the personality factors contributing to foreclosure?

Answer 21

Highest levels of authoritarianism and stereotypical thinking and is obedient to authority

Question 22

What are the personality factors contributing to moratorium?

Answer 22

High levels of ego development, moral reasoning, and self-esteem. Most anxious and fearful of success

Question 23

What are the personality factors contributing to identity achievement?

Answer 23

High levels of ego development, moral reasoning, self-certainty, self-esteem. Is able to perform under stress and form intimate relationships

Question 24

Define body image.

Answer 24

A person’s idea of how his or her body looks.

The mental picture you have of your physical appearance; the attitudes and feelings you have towards it.

Question 25

What are the factors influencing body image?

Answer 25

Sociocultural pressures ("leanness" is highly valued and "fatness" is stigmatized)
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