AP Psych Unit 3 | Adolescent Development

social clock

cultural timeline that sets expected ages for key life events that shape social expectations for individuals, such as:

• starting a career

• getting married

• having children

emerging adulthood

transitional life stage from late teens to mid-twenties 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

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