Adolescent Psychology- Chapter 8 (Identity)

Identity Difusion

the incoherent, disjointed, incomplete sense of self characteristic of not having resolved the crisis of identity

Symptoms of Identity Diffusion?

1. disruptions in sense of time (going rlly fast or slow)

2. excessive self-consciousness

3. problems in school/work

4. difficulties forming relationships (intimate and platonic)

5. sexuality concerns

Identity Foreclosure

The premature establishment of a sense of identity, before sufficient role experimentation has occurred (either by choice or against)

ex. a 10yr old deciding they want to be a dr before college and continues on that path

Negative Identity

the selection of an identity that is obviously undesirable in the eyes of significant others and the broader community

(better to be disliked than forgotten)

ex. a pastor’s son strongly claiming they are an atheist bc they want to oppose

Identity Status

the point in the identity development process that characterizes an adolescent at a given time

What are the 4 identity states?

1. identity achievement (identity decided after exploration)

2. moratorium ( in the midst of period of exploration)

3. identity foreclosure (made commitments w/ no period of exploration)

4. identity diffusion (no firm commitments and is not trying to make them)

Characteristics of a kid with identity achievement

1. pyschologically healthier

2. highest scores on measures of achievement motivation, moral reasoning, intimacy w/ peers, and career maturity

Characteristics of a kid with moratorium

1. score highest on measures of anxiety

2. highest levels of conflict over issues of authority

3. the least rigid and authoritarian

Characteristics of a kid identity foreclosed

1. the most authoritarian and prejudiced

2. highest need for social approval

3. lowest level of autonomy

4. greatest closeness to parents

Characteristics of a kid in identity diffusion

1. display highest level of psychological, behavioral, and interpersonal problems

2. most socially withdrawn and most likely to engage in anti-social behavior

3. lowest level of intimacy with peers

Agency

the sense that one has an impact on one’s world

ethnic identity

the aspect of the individuals’ sense of identity concerning ancestry or racial group memberships

Ethnic Identity Trends

1. white ppl are less likely to give themselves a label than ethnic minority groups (ex. broad American vs. specific German)

2. ethnic minorities tend to be specific with a country rather than a broad ethnic category

Development of Ethnic Identity

1. begins with acknowledgement of prejudice, underrepresentation, feeling of difference when compared to peers, etc.

2. period of exploration—> immerse themselves in their heritage —> can lead to increased self-esteem unless it is early adolescence

3. conclusion and establishment of ethnic identity

What environmental factors affect ethnic identity development?

1. ethnic composition of the adolescent’s school

2. immediate peer group

3. the extent to which the adolescent has contact w/ other teenagers from the same or different backgrounds

Ethnic Socialization

the process through which individuals develop an understanding of their ethnic or racial background, also referred to as racial socialization

The 3 main components to ethnic socialization?

1. understanding and values of one’s culture

2. dealing with racism

3. succeeding in mainstream society

Immigrant Paradox

adolescents who have immigrated more recently to the US have higher scores on measures of psychological functioning and mental health, and have higher scores of adjustment than adolescents from the SAME ethnic group whose family has lived in the US for several generations

what are the 5 factors of the 5 factor model?

1. openness to experience

2. conscientiousness

3. extraversion

4. agreeableness

5. neuroticism

what does openness to experience mean?

refers to the extent to which an individual is imaginative, curious, and open to new experiences

—> high openness correlates to greater interest in new ideas, culture, and activities

—> low openness correlates to a preference for a routine or familiar experiences

what does conscientiousness mean?

involves self-discipline, organization, and goal directed behavior

—> higher conscientiousness is associated w/ better academic performance, strong work ethic, and adherence to rules

—> low conscientiousness is associated w/ impulsivity and lack of focus

what does extraversion mean?

characterized by sociability, talkativeness, and a preference for stimulation and excitement

—> high extraversion manifests as enjoying social events, seeking relationships, assertiveness in group settings

—> low extraversion (introversion) manifests as preference for solitude or smaller close knit groups

what does agreeableness mean?

reflects traits like kindness. empathy, and cooperation

—> high agreeableness fosters positive peer relationships, prosocial behavior, and better conflict resolution

—> low agreeableness contributes to social challenges or difficulty w/ authority figures

what does neuroticism mean?

refers to emotional instability and tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety, sadness, and irritability

—> high neuroticism may be more sensitive to social rejection or stress

—> lower neuroticism is associated with greater emotional stability and resilience in the face of challenges