Understanding and Strengthening the Self: Late Adolescence to Early Adulthood

Practice questions and answers covering developmental psychology (Piaget, Erikson), career stages (Super), self-concept (Rogers), and protective/risk factors for adolescents.

What is the primary focus of Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory?

It focuses on the ‘interplay between our inner, emotional lives (psycho) and our outer, social circumstances (social)’ and how socialization affects human development over 8 stages.

According to Jean Piaget, what is the 'Preoperational Stage'?

The first stage occurring between ages two and seven where mental representations for objects are essential and children are highly curious, questioning almost everything.

In Piaget's theory, what is 'Symbolic Function'?

The use of mental representations for imagination, taking place between the ages of two and four.

How does Piaget define 'egocentrism' within the Symbolic Function stage?

The tendency for children to focus on themselves and think only from their own point of view.

What is 'Intuitive Thought' in the context of Piaget's Cognitive Development?

The growth in curiosity and basic reasoning that occurs between the ages of four and seven.

What characterizes the 'Concrete Operational Stage' (ages 7 to 11)?

Thinking logically about objects and incidents, including the understanding of 'conservation'.

What is 'conservation' as defined by Piaget?

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

What happens during the 'Formal Operational Stage'?

Individuals begin to think in a more complex, abstract, and detailed manner, becoming able to solve problems and consider different points of view.

Describe the 'Trust vs. Mistrust' stage (Birth to 1 year old).

Infants depend on parents for nourishment and affection; success leads to a sense of trust based on dependability.

What occurs during the 'Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt' stage (1-3 years old)?

Toddlers explore their surroundings; if allowed, they develop autonomy, but if too restrained, they develop insecurity and doubt their abilities.

What is the goal of the 'Initiative vs. Guilt' stage (3-6 years old)?

For children to develop a sense of independence in many tasks as they start school and interact with others.

Define the 'Industry vs. Inferiority' stage (6-12 years old).

Children gain adult skills like reading and writing; encouragement leads to industry (motivation to learn), while lack of it leads to inferiority.

What is the primary concern of the 'Identity vs. Confusion' stage (12-18 years old)?

Finding a personal identity and becoming aware of sexuality; failure to commit to an identity results in role confusion or an identity crisis.

What happens during the 'Intimacy vs. Isolation' stage (18-40 years old)?

Individuals who have formed an identity look for close, mutual relationships with the opposite sex.

Describe 'Generativity vs. Stagnation' (40-65 years old).

A productive stage where one provides for the family; failure leads to stagnation or inactivity.

What is the 'Integrity vs. Despair' stage (65 years old onwards)?

A period of self-actualization where adults feel content with their productive lives or despair if they feel they achieved little.

What are 'Cognitions or Thoughts' in identity development?

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

What are the six Developmental Tasks of Late Adolescence?

1. Developing a Positive Self-Concept and Identity; 2. Developing Emotional Maturity; 3. Achieving Independence; 4. Forming Healthy Relationships; 5. Establishing Educational and Career Goals; 6. Learning Practical Life Skills.

What are the five stages of Donald E. Super's Career Development Theory?

1. Growth (birth-14); 2. Exploration (15-24); 3. Establishment (25-44); 4. Maintenance (46-64); 5. Decline (65+).

What occurs during Super's 'Exploration' stage (ages 15-24)?

'Trying out' through classes, work, and hobbies, leading to tentative choices and skill development.

According to Carl Rogers, what is 'Self-Concept'?

The way an individual sees and understands themselves, which develops through experiences and relationships.

What are the three core aspects of Carl Rogers’ Self-Concept?

1. Self-Image (the view of yourself); 2. Self-Worth (value in yourself); 3. Ideal-Self (who you wish you were).

Define 'Protective Factors'.

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

List the five Protective Factors during adolescence.

1. Positive Self-Concept; 2. Strong Family/Social Support; 3. Healthy Habits/Routines; 4. Positive School/Community Environment; 5. Access to Mentors/Health Services.

Define 'Risk Factors'.

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

List the five Risk Factors during adolescence.

1. Poor Family Support; 2. Poverty/Economic Hardship; 3. Negative Peer Influence; 4. Mental Health Issues/Unhealthy Coping; 5. Exposure to Adversity/Violence.

What are the four 'Domains of Development' mentioned in the notes?

1. Physiological; 2. Cognitive; 3. Psychosocial; 4. Emotional.

What is the significance of the transition from 18-25 years old?

It is marked by significant changes in education, career, and identity, moving from dependence to greater independence.