Chapter 11: Understanding Self-Concept and Identity Development

Self-concept

Attributes defining an individual's identity and values.

Ego-center

Mental presence registering experiences and thoughts.

Subjective self

Awareness of being a separate entity.

Self-recognition

Ability to recognize oneself in a mirror.

Mirror test

Test for self-awareness using red dye on forehead.

Me-self

Objective characteristics like appearance and abilities.

Categorical self

Basic descriptors of identity, e.g., gender.

I-self

Subjective sense of individual existence over time.

Enduring self

Self that experiences the world uniquely over time.

Social comparisons

Judging oneself in relation to peers.

Ideal self

Aspiration of who we want to be.

Discrepancy

Difference between current self and ideal self.

Self-awareness

Understanding of one's distinct identity and actions.

Personal pronouns

Words like 'me' and 'mine' indicating self-reference.

Emotional states

Feelings expressed by children, not stable traits.

Life story

Narrative illustrating one's enduring self.

Unique characteristics

Individual traits like name and preferences.

Self-evaluation

Assessing oneself against personal standards.

Motivation for self-improvement

Drive to better oneself based on self-discrepancy.

Negative emotions

Feelings like disappointment from self-discrepancy.

Childhood development

Progression of self-concept complexity over time.

Social interactions

Experiences that shape understanding of self.

Identity Development

Process of forming a unique self through socialization.

Erikson's Theory

Includes 8 stages of psychological development challenges.

Socialization

Learning societal standards, values, and knowledge.

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

Infants learn trust through responsive care.

Basic Trust

Confidence in caregivers meeting basic needs.

Mistrust

Feeling unsafe due to inconsistent care.

Attachment Theory

Links trust to secure attachment, mistrust to insecure.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame

Children seek independence and control over actions.

Autonomy

Ability to accomplish tasks independently.

Shame and Doubt

Feelings arising from lack of parental support.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

Children develop purpose through goal accomplishment.

Initiative

Responsibility and ambition supported by parents.

Guilt

Conflict between personal goals and parental rules.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

Self-confidence develops through positive school interactions.

Industry

Diligence and perseverance in work and tasks.

Inferiority

Feelings from ridicule or unmet expectations.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Identity Confusion

Adolescents form a lasting integrated sense of self.

Crisis of Identity

Balancing multiple selves with a single identity.

Identity Formation

Process of reflecting on traits and making commitments.

False-Self Behavior

Acting contrary to one's true identity.

Meaningful Interactions

Engagements that help clarify one's identity.

Identity Areas

Love, work, and ideology shape personal identity.

Competence

Adolescents learn self-efficacy through peer reactions.

Inauthenticity

Acting untrue to oneself, often challenged by peers.

Identity Crisis

Struggle for self-definition during adolescence.

Identity Diffusion

Lack of exploration and commitment in identity.

Psychological Problems

Issues like low self-esteem and social withdrawal.

Alienation

Feeling disconnected from peers and family.

Holden Caulfield

Example of identity diffusion from 'Catcher in the Rye'.

Identity Foreclosure

Commitment to values without personal exploration.

Authoritarian Values

Beliefs imposed by authority figures, limiting autonomy.

Sonny Corleone

Example of identity foreclosure from 'The Godfather'.

Identity Moratorium

Active exploration of identity without commitment.

Minimal Responsibilities

Freedom to explore self without adult obligations.

Self-Exploration

Trying different roles and ideologies during adolescence.

Identity Achievement

Commitment to self-chosen goals and values.

Moral Reasoning

High levels of ethical thinking in identity achievement.

Continuity of Self

Feeling connected across past, present, and future.

Sexual Orientation

Attraction spectrum, not limited to binary categories.

Sexual Minority

Individuals identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

Same-Sex Attractions

Experiences reported by 6% of boys, 13% of girls.

Casey from 'Atypical'

Example of questioning sexual identity in adolescence.

Heteronormative Culture

Societal norms favoring heterosexual relationships.

Heterosexual Orientation

A sexual orientation towards the opposite sex.

Coming Out

Gradual process of disclosing sexual orientation.

LGB+ Youth

Sexual identity minorities, distinct from gender identity.

Parental Understanding

Critical for positive adjustment in LGB+ youth.

Ethnic Identity

Belonging to and learning customs of an ethnic group.

Biculturalism

Dual identity in ethnic and majority cultures.

Shifting Frames

Moving between identities based on social context.

Multiethnic Identity

Identity formed from multiple racial backgrounds.

Biracial Adolescents

Tend to choose majority friends' ethnic background.

Self-Esteem

Judgment of one's own worthiness and competencies.

Harter's Model

Hierarchical model of self-esteem influenced by five domains.

Self-Appraisal (Ages 4-7)

Overall positive self-assessment, inflated egos possible.

Self-Appraisal (Ages >8)

Aligns more closely with others' evaluations.

Behavioral Conduct

One of five domains influencing self-worth.

Physical Appearance

Domain affecting self-esteem evaluations in children.

Athletic Competence

Children's self-assessment of physical abilities.

Social Acceptance

Influence of peer relationships on self-esteem.

Scholastic Competence

Academic abilities impacting children's self-worth.

Identity Conflict

Struggle between cultural expectations and personal identity.

Census Forms

Historically lacked categories for multiracial individuals.

Collective-Focused Parents

Prioritize family responsibilities over individual goals.

Social Acceptance Ratings

Correlate with peer ratings and self-esteem.

Athletic Self-Esteem

Linked to team selections and gym teacher ratings.

Parenting Styles

Sensitive and authoritative parenting boosts self-esteem.

Peer Influences

Social comparison and support affect self-esteem.

Supportive Relationships

High self-esteem in children with supportive parents and peers.

Inflated Praise

Excessive praise can harm low self-esteem children.

Brummelman et al. Study

Investigated effects of praise on children's task choices.

Task Selection

Children with low self-esteem choose easier tasks after inflated praise.

Fear of Failure

High standards from praise can deter low self-esteem children.

Non-Inflated Praise

Encourages challenging task selection in low self-esteem children.

Dweck & Mueller Research

Praising effort leads to better performance than praising intelligence.

Role Taking

Ability to consider another's perspective.

Selman's Stage Theory

Describes development of perspective taking in stages.

Undifferentiated Stage

Egocentric view; confuses own and others' perspectives.