The Self and Identity

Question 1

What is self-schemata?

Answer 1

core belief of yourself/self-concept

Question 2

Name the dimensions of adolescents self understanding (8)
(AR-DFC-SSS-U)

Answer 2

1. abstract and idealistic
2. real/ideal self
3. differentiation
4. fluctuation
5. contradiction
6. social comparison
7. self consciousness
8. self protection
9. unconscious self

Question 3

Explain the first 3 dimensions of adolescent self understanding

Answer 3

1. abstract and ideal - not distinguishing between the real and ideal self
2. real/ideal self - discrepancy between actual self and ideal self - possible self emerges
3. differentiation - multiple roles within the self for situational dimensions

Question 4

Explain the middle 3 dimensions of adolescent self understanding

Answer 4

4. fluctuation - self fluctuates across situations and time - instability
5. contradictions - inconsistencies between differentiated selves
6. social comparison - looking-glass self

Question 5

Explain the last 3 dimensions of adolescent self understanding

Answer 5

7. self consciousness - seeking out friends’ opinions in shaping emerging self-definitions
8. self protection - denying negative characteristics
9. unconscious self - self includes both conscious and unconscious components

Question 6

Distinguish between self-esteem and self-concept

Answer 6

Self-esteem - self worth - global evaluative dimension of self - overall positive/negative view

Self-concept - domain-specific evaluations of self - e.g., negative academic self-concept but positive athletic self-concept

Question 7

Describe narcissism

Answer 7

• self-centered and self-concerned approach toward others
• rarely show empathy
• devalue people around them to protect their own self-esteem

Question 8

What does identity involve according to Erikson? (2)

Answer 8

an interaction between:

• the interior development of the individual
• the growth of selfhood that arises from participating in society

Question 9

Name Erikson’s stages of identity development (8)

Answer 9

1. Trust and mistrust
2. Autonomy vs doubt
3. Initiative vs guilt
4. Industry vs inferiority
5. Identity vs role confusion
6. Intimacy vs isolation
7. Generativity vs stagnation
8. Integrity vs despair

Question 10

Which of Erikson’s stages is the primary developmental challenge of adolescence?

Answer 10

Identity vs role confusion

Question 11

What is fanaticism? (2)

Answer 11

• too much ego identity
• my way or the high way

Question 12

What is identity diffusion/repudiation?

Answer 12

uncertainty about oneself and one’s possibilities

Question 13

Name and explain the 4 components of identity diffusion/repudiation

Answer 13

Lack of intimacy - fear of loss of identity

Time perspective - difficulty planning for the future

Industry - difficulty harnessing resources

Negative identity - an identity formed by identifying with roles opposed to societal expectations

Question 14

Name and explain Marcia’s 4 stages of identity

Answer 14

Identity achievement - crisis and commitment

Moratorium - crisis - not yet commitment

Foreclosure - commitment without crisis

Identity diffusion - neither crisis nor commitment

Question 15

Where do Marcia’s stages fall within family relationships: autocratic, democratic, and permissive? (3)

Answer 15

Autocratic - foreclosure
Democratic - moratorium and achievement
Permissive - diffusion

Question 16

Distinguish between the Self Discrepancy theory and the Self Awareness theory

Answer 16

Self Discrepancy - discrepancy between self concept and self leads to specific negative emotional states

Self Awareness - self focused attention leads to noticing self discrepancy - motivating an escape from self awareness or change in behaviour

Question 17

Give the characteristics of identity (5)

Answer 17

Plural
Dynamic
Different meanings
Contextual and Interactional
Negotiated

Question 18

Name and explain the 4 ways in which people self enhance

Answer 18

• Biased self serving cognitions - take credit for success and deny failure
• Self sabotaging - excuse for failure and enhanced credit for success
• Reflection - others’ success becomes individual’s accomplishment
• Downward comparison - comparing self with inferior person