identity
An individual’s understanding of self in relation to his or her social context.
identity versus role confusion
Erikson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development, during which the adolescent must adopt a coherent and integrated sense of self.
identity crisis
A crisis that entails an evaluation of possible choices concerning vocation, relationships, and self-understanding.
role confusion
An adolescent’s inability to define an identity, resulting in a lack of direction and focus.
exploration
One of the two dimensions suggested by Marcia as determining a person’s identity status at a particular time; it is a positive search for identity options.
commitment
One of the two dimensions suggested by Marcia as determining a person’s identity status at a particular time; it is a conscious choice made about a particular aspect of identity.
identity moratorium
As described by Marcia, an individual who has begun to explore his or her identity but has yet to make a commitment.
identity diffusion
As described by Marcia, an individual who has neither made a commitment about nor begun to explore his or her identity.
identity foreclosure
As described by Marcia, an individual who has made a commitment about his or her identity without even exploring options.
identity achievement
As described by Marcia, an individual who has made a commitment about his or her identity following a process of exploration.
ethnic identity
A component of identity and self-concept that acknowledges a unique connection to a specific ethnic group and the values and beliefs associated with that group.
acculturation
A process for people within a minority culture wherein they adopt values from a majority culture.
gender intensification
A process wherein a person becomes more rigid in their gender performance, behaving in stereotypical ways for their identified gender.
secure/autonomous
An attachment category in which adolescents display the ability to recognize both the positive and negative aspects of childhood attachment figures.
insecure/dismissive
An attachment category in which adolescents minimize considerations of early experiences and relationships, or downplay the importance of early attachment experiences.
insecure/preoccupied
An attachment category in which adolescents display preoccupation with early experiences and attachment figures, but experience difficulty evaluating those relationships.
crowd
A group of people who may or may not be friends but who share similar attributes to one another.
clique
A tight-knit group of friends who share similar values and behaviours.
problematic Internet use
An excessive preoccupation with Internet use that leads to socio-emotional maladjustment, academic difficulties, and physical health problems.
initiation
phase The first phase in a four-phase model of early romantic relationships in which adolescents begin to notice and become comfortable with others perceived as sexually attractive.
status phase
The second phase in a four-phase model of early romantic relationships in which crowd and status influence how an adolescent couple develops.
affection phase
The third phase in a four-phase model of early romantic relationships in which the emphasis shifts away from the influence of peers to the development of a meaningful connection between two individuals.
bonding phase
The fourth phase in a four-phase model of early romantic relationships in which relationship becomes characterized by a high level of commitment and a future orientation.
young offender
A person under the age of 18 charged with a criminal offence.
