Chapter 11: (Part one) Self, Identity, and Personality

These flashcards cover key concepts related to self, identity, and personality development throughout life stages.

What is self-understanding?

The cognitive representation of the self and the substance of self-conceptions.

At what age does rudimentary self-recognition appear in infants?

As early as 3 months.

What technique is used to test infants' visual self-recognition?

The mirror technique.

What are the main characteristics of self-understanding in young children?

Confusion of self, mind, and body; concrete and active descriptions; unrealistic positive overestimations.

What is perspective taking?

The ability to assume another person's perspective and understand their thoughts and feelings.

During which developmental stage do adolescents often question their identity?

Identity versus identity confusion stage.

What is a psychosocial moratorium?

The gap between childhood security and adult autonomy that aids in the search for identity.

What are the four statuses of identity proposed by Marcia?

Identity diffusion, identity foreclosure, identity moratorium, and identity achievement.

How does self-esteem typically fluctuate throughout the life span?

It decreases in adolescence, increases in the 20s, levels off in the 30s, rises in the 50s and 60s, and drops off in the 70s and 80s.

What is the difference between self-concept and self-esteem?

Self-concept refers to how someone thinks about and perceives themselves, while self-esteem is an individual's subjective evaluation of their own worth.

How does identity development differ in individualistic versus collectivist cultures?

Individualistic cultures value autonomy, while collectivist cultures emphasize fitting in and connecting with others.

What is bicultural identity?

Identifying with one's ethnic group and in other ways with the majority culture.

What does life review involve?

Looking back at one's life experiences and evaluating them.

What is false-self behavior?

Acting in a way that one knows is inauthentic, typically observed in dating situations.

How can parents impact adolescent identity development?

Poor communication and conflict can hinder positive identity development, while supportive parental relationships can promote it.

What role do digital environments play in identity exploration?

Digital platforms provide new ways for youth to express and explore their identity and obtain feedback.

What are the main ways the self is conceptualized?

The self is often conceptualized in terms of self-awareness, self-esteem, self-concept, and the roles one plays in society.

What is self-understanding and how does it develop?

Self-understanding is the recognition of one's own identity, thoughts, and feelings. It develops through introspection, social interactions, and feedback from others.

How does understanding others develop?

Understanding others develops through cognitive empathy, social interactions, and experiences that allow individuals to recognize and interpret the emotions and intentions of others.

What are self-esteem and self-concept, and how do they develop?

Self-esteem is the evaluation of one's worth, while self-concept is the overall perception of oneself. Both develop through experiences, relationships, and individual achievements.

How is self-esteem related to performance, initiative, and happiness?

Higher self-esteem is generally associated with better performance, increased initiative, and greater overall happiness.

Is there a dark side to high self-esteem?

Yes, excessively high self-esteem can lead to narcissism, a lack of empathy, and unrealistic self-perceptions.

What are some ways to increase self-esteem?

To increase self-esteem, individuals can set realistic goals, engage in positive self-talk, seek support from others, and develop competencies through practice.

What is self-regulation and how does it develop?

Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations. It develops through practice, self-reflection, and guidance from caregivers.

What are the key facets of identity development?

Key facets of identity development include personal identity, social identity, cultural identity, and gender identity, all of which shape how individuals see themselves and their place in the world.

What does an identity involve?

An identity involves the characteristics, values, beliefs, and roles that define an individual, encompassing both personal attributes and social affiliations.

What are Erikson’s views of identity?

Erikson viewed identity as a crucial developmental stage in adolescence, where individuals explore different roles and ultimately establish a coherent sense of self.

What are some contemporary thoughts on identity?

Contemporary thoughts on identity emphasize fluidity, intersectionality, and the influence of social media on self-perception and identity formation.

What are the four identity statuses and how do they change developmentally?

The four identity statuses are: 1. Identity Diffusion (lack of commitment), 2. Identity Foreclosure (commitment without exploration), 3. Identity Moratorium (active exploration), and 4. Identity Achievement (commitment after exploration). These statuses can change with experiences and developmental milestones.

How do social contexts influence identity?

Social contexts influence identity by shaping values, beliefs, and behaviors through interactions with family, peers, culture, and societal norms.