PSY 200-Module 13 Vocab

adolescence

the transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence

puberty

the period of sexual maturation, when a person usually becomes capable of reproducing

identity

our sense of self; according to Erikson, the adolescent’s task is to solidify a sense of self by testing and integrating various roles

social identity

the “we” aspect of our self-concept; the part of our answer to “Who am I?” that comes from our group memberships

intimacy

in Erikson’s theory, the ability to form close, loving relationships; a primary developmental task in young adulthood

emerging adulthood

a period from about age 18 to the mid-twenties, when many in Western cultures are no longer adolescents but have not yet achieved full independence as adults

menopause

the time of natural cessation of menstruation; also refers to the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines

social clock

the culturally preferred timing of social events such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement