The self, Identity, Emotion, Personality Flashcards
Self-Understanding in Adolescence
Cognitive representation of the self
Abstraction and Idealism
Adolescents distinguish between the real self and the ideal self in abstract and idealistic ways.
Differentiation
Contextual variations when describing themselves. Different sets of character traits around family, peers, and romantic relationships.
The fluctuating Self
Instability in the characteristics of the self.
Contradictions within the self
They develop the ability to detect inconsistencies in themselves and strive to construct a general theory of the self.
Real vs. Ideal
The difference between one’s actual self and one’s ideal self can produce a sense of failure and criticism.
Social Comparison
Young adolescents are more likely to compare themselves to others
Self Conciousness
Preoccupied with their self understanding. Friends are often the main source of reflected appraisals.
Self protection
The need to protect the self. Denying their negative characteristics
The unconscious self
Certain aspects of their mental self is beyond their awareness or control
Not quite yet a coherent, integrated self
Individuals integrate the many aspects of the self.
Self-Understanding and Social Contexts
Adolescents might create different selves depending on their ethnic and cultural backgrounds and experiences.
Perceiving others’ traits
People are complex and have public and private faces
Perspective Taking
Understanding other people’s perspectives and their thoughts and feelings.
Social Cognitive Monitoring
They monitor their social world more.
Self Esteem
Self image and self worth of a person
Self-Concept
Domain-specific evaluations of the self.
James Marcia’s Four Statuses of Identity
Diffusion: No commitments and little interest in such matters
Foreclosure: Parents hand down commitments but the adolescent has not explored other options
Moratorium: Identity crisis but has not made a clear commitment
Achievement: Went through an identity crisis and made a commitment.
Cultural Identity
Important for the overall self concept of many adolescents
Ethnic Identity
Sense of belonging to an
Emotional Competence
Individuals become aware of their emotional cycles and it helps them cope with their emotions
Personality
Refers to the enduring personal characteristics of individuals. Personality is viewed as holding the self and identity.
