ecological systems, attachment styles, identity development

microsystem

The most immediate environment in which an individual lives, including family, school, and peers.

mesosystem

refers to the interconnections and relationships between an individual's microsystems, such as home, school, peer groups, and community

exosystem

settings that indirectly influence a child’s development, despite the child not being an active participant (ex. parent's workplace or community services).

macrosystem

the overarching cultural context, societal values, laws, economic systems, and ideologies that indirectly influence an individual's development

chronosystem

represents the influence of time, historical context, and life transitions on human development

anxious attachment

an insecure attachment style stemming from inconsistent childhood caregiving, characterized by a deep-seated fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and an intense, constant need for validation and closeness in relationships

avoidant attachment

an insecure attachment style where individuals highly value independence, suppress emotions, and struggle with intimacy

disorganized attachment

an insecure style where individuals intensely desire intimacy but are simultaneously terrified of it, stemming from childhood experiences where caregivers were both comforting and frightening (e.g., abusive or neglectful)

secure attachment

the healthiest attachment style, characterized by a deep sense of trust, safety, and comfort with emotional intimacy, stemming from responsive caregiving

identity diffusion

a psychological state characterized by a lack of firm commitment to personal values, beliefs, or vocational goals

identity foreclosure

individuals commit to an identity (values, goals, roles) prematurely, typically adopted from parents or authority figures, without exploring alternatives.

identity moratorium

active exploration of roles, beliefs, and goals without firm commitment

identity achievement

individuals successfully explore various beliefs, values, and life paths (like career, politics, religion) and then make firm, personal commitments, resulting in a stable, coherent sense of self and purpose, marked by high exploration and high commitment