Chapter 9 - Autonomy

emotional autonomy

The establishment of more adultlike and less childish close relationships with family members and peers.

behavioral autonomy

The capacity to make independent decisions and to follow through with them.

cognitive autonomy

The establishment of an independent set of values, opinions, and beliefs.

detachment

In psychoanalytic theory, the process through which adolescents sever emotional attachments to their parents or other authority figures.

individuation

The progressive sharpening of an individual's sense of being an autonomous, independent person.

psychological control

Parenting that attempts to control the adolescent's emotions and opinions.

prosocial behavior

Behaviors intended to help others.

preconventional moral reasoning

The first level of moral reasoning, which is typical of children and is characterized by reasoning that is based on rewards and punishments associated with different courses of action.

conventional moral reasoning

The second level of moral development, which occurs during late childhood and early adolescence and is characterized by reasoning that is based on the rules and conventions of society.

postconventional moral reasoning

The level of moral reasoning during which society's rules and conventions are seen as relative and subjective rather than as authoritative; also called principled moral reasoning.

moral disengagement

Rationalizing immoral behavior as legitimate, as a way of justifying one's own bad acts.

emotional intelligence

The ability of individuals to accurately recognize and label their own emotions and those of others.

civic engagement

Involvement in political and community affairs, as reflected in knowledge about politics and current affairs, participation in conventional and alternative political activities, and engaging in community service.

service learning

The process of learning through involvement in community service.

religiosity

The degree to which one engages in religious practices, such as attending services.

spirituality

The degree to which one places importance on the quest for answers to questions about God and the meaning of life.