Understanding and Strengthening the Self: Late Adolescence to Early Adulthood

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key psychological and career development theories, components of identity, and factors influencing growth from late adolescence to early adulthood.

Cognitive Development Theory

A theory by Jean Piaget (1896-1980) outlining specific stages of mental growth in children and adolescents where curiosity begins.

Preoperational Stage

A stage occurring between ages 2 and 7 where mental representations for objects are essential and children question almost everything.

Symbolic Function

The use of mental representations for imagination, taking place between the ages of 2 and 4.

Egocentrism

A tendency found in children to focus on themselves and think only from one's own point of view.

Intuitive Thought

A growth in curiosity and basic reasoning occurring between the ages of 4 and 7.

Concrete Operational Stage

A stage between ages 7 and 11 where individuals begin to think logically about objects and incidents.

Conservation

An understanding that quantities do not change when the appearance is altered.

Formal Operational Stage

The final stage of cognitive development where thoughts become more complex, abstract, and detailed, allowing for problem-solving and multiple points of view.

Psychosocial Development Theory

A theory by Erik Erikson (1902-1994) consisting of 8 stages that explore the interplay between inner emotional lives and outer social circumstances.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The stage from birth to 1 year where an infant develops trust based on the dependability of parents to meet basic needs like nourishment and affection.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The stage from 1-3 years where toddlers develop independence through exploration; restraint by parents can lead to self-doubt and insecurity.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The stage from 3-6 years (Play Age) where children begin school and develop a sense of independence in many tasks.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The stage from 6-12 years (School Age) where children gain adult skills like reading and writing; encouragement leads to a motivation to learn.

Identity vs. Confusion

The stage from 12-18 years (Adolescence) focused on finding a personal identity; failure to commit to an identity results in role confusion or an identity crisis.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The stage from 18-40 years (Early Adulthood) where individuals seek close, mutual relationships with the opposite sex after forming an identity.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The stage from 40-65 years (Middle Age) where success leads to productivity and providing for family, while previous isolation leads to inactivity or dullness.

Integrity vs. Despair

The stage from 65 years onwards (Old Age) where a person feels self-actualized and content looking back at a productive life, or despair if they have not.

Cognitions

Ideas, beliefs, interpretations, and reasoning that influence how we understand ourselves and the world.

Behaviors

The choices and actions made based on thoughts and feelings that reflect responsibility and self-discipline.

Emotions

Feelings such as happiness, fear, anger, or excitement that influence thoughts and behaviors.

Career Development Theory

Donald E. Super's theory which partitions working life into stages to specify typical vocational behaviors across a life-span.

Growth Stage (Super)

The career development stage from birth to age 14 involving the development of self-concept, attitudes, and needs.

Exploration Stage (Super)

The career development stage from age 15-24 involving "trying out" through classes, hobbies, and tentative choices.

Establishment Stage (Super)

The career development stage from age 25-44 focused on entry-level skill building and stabilization through work experience.

Maintenance Stage (Super)

The career development stage from age 46-64 involving a continual adjustment process to improve one's position.

Decline Stage (Super)

The career development stage from age 65+ characterized by reduced output and preparation for retirement.

Self-Concept

According to Carl Rogers, the perception we have of ourselves, answering the question "Who am I?"

Self-Image

The view you have of yourself.

Self-Worth

The amount of value you believe you have in yourself.

Ideal-Self

Who you really wish you were.

Protective Factors

Positive conditions or influences that help individuals cope with challenges, enhance resilience, and act as buffers against stress.

Risk Factors

Negative conditions or influences that increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes, such as mental health issues or developmental difficulties.

Proactive Action

Taking steps or acts to prevent problems from happening.

Physiological Development

The domain of development involving changes in the body, physical growth, and overall health.