Developmental Psychology Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts in developmental psychology, including Erikson's stages, adolescent development, and identity formation.

Psychosocial Development (Erik Erikson)

Theory that individuals progress through a series of stages, each characterized by a specific conflict that contributes to a major aspect of personality.

Trust vs. Mistrust Stage

Occurs from birth to 18 months; infants learn whether they can trust the world based on consistent care from caregivers, leading to trust, security, and optimism.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt Stage

Occurs from 18 months to 3 years; toddlers seek to do things on their own through encouragement and freedom to explore, leading to self-sufficiency and confidence.

Initiative vs. Guilt Stage

Occurs from 3 to 6 years; children begin to initiate actions and make decisions, fostering leadership skills when encouraged, but guilt when failing.

Industry vs. Inferiority Stage

Occurs from 6 to 12 years; children strive to demonstrate skills and abilities, building mastery and self-confidence through reinforcement in school and play.

Identity vs. Role Confusion Stage

Occurs from 12 to 18 years; teenagers explore and solidify their sense of self through experimentation with roles and identities, leading to a well-defined personal identity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation Stage

Occurs from 18 to 40 years; adults seek to form close, committed relationships, deepening relationships beyond oneself, leading to meaningful relationships and commitments.

Generativity vs. Stagnation Stage

Occurs from 40 to 65 years; adults aim to contribute to the well-being of the next generation through parenting, mentoring, and productivity, leading to a sense of care and achievement.

Integrity & Despair Stage

Occurs from 65 years and older; elders look back on life achievements and regrets, achieving wisdom and satisfaction through life review and acceptance.

Social Clock

Cultural timeline that sets expected ages for key life events, like starting a career, getting married, or having children, shaping social expectations for individuals.

Emerging Adulthood

Transitional life stage from late teens to mid-20s, marked by exploration and self-discovery as individuals navigate career paths, relationships, and personal identity.

Adolescent Egocentrism

Stage in teenage development marked by an increased self-focus, leading to beliefs that one's experiences are unique and that others are always observing them.

Imaginary Audience

Phenomenon in adolescence where individuals believe others are constantly watching and judging their behavior, making them highly self-conscious.

Personal Fable

Adolescent belief that one's experiences are unique and special, often leading to feelings of invulnerability and an underestimation of potential risks.

Possible Selves

The various versions of who individuals might become in the future, including ideal selves they hope to achieve and feared selves they wish to avoid.

Social Identity

An individual's sense of who they are based on their membership in social groups, like nationality, religion, or profession.

Identity Diffusion

A state where individuals have not yet explored or committed to life choices regarding beliefs, goals, or values, often leading to uncertainty about their sense of self.

Identity Foreclosure

A stage where individuals commit to goals, beliefs, or values without exploring alternatives, often adopting the expectations of parents or society.

Identity Moratorium

A stage in which individuals actively explore different life paths, beliefs, and values but have not yet made a final commitment, often leading to a period of uncertainty and experimentation.

Identity Achievement

The stage where individuals have explored various life paths and made firm decisions about their beliefs, values, and goals, resulting in a clear and stable sense of self.