Developmental Psychology Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from developmental psychology as discussed in the lecture.

Erikson's Stages of Development

A theory that outlines the eight stages of psychological development throughout a person's life.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The adolescent conflict where individuals struggle to develop a sense of self and identity.

Individuation

The process by which an individual develops a unique personality and self, particularly during adolescence.

Types of Independence

Different forms of independence explored during adolescence: conflictual, emotional, functional, and attitudinal.

Young Adulthood – Intimacy vs. Isolation

The stage where forming intimate relationships is essential; an established identity aids in this process.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The conflict in middle adulthood involving a person's desire to contribute to future generations.

Life Review

A process in old age where individuals reflect on their lives, leading to either integrity or despair.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image, identified by Vaillant.

High Adaptive Level Defense Mechanisms

Those that allow awareness of emotions and include anticipation, altruism, sublimation, self-assertion, and affiliation.

Vaillant’s Mental Inhibition Level

A level where individuals are unaware of threatening feelings yet do not cause distress to others.

Disavowal Level

A psychological level where unpleasant impulses are kept out of awareness, often leading to projection.

Loevinger’s Stages of Development

Stages of ego development that suggest growth with age, including conscientious, individualistic, and autonomous stages.

Ryan and Deci’s Theory of Motivation

Theory identifying three elements of motivation: competence, relatedness, and autonomy.

Costa and McCrae’s Five Factor Theory

Theory stating that personality remains stable over time, characterized by neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion.