Visual perspective-taking
The understanding that other people can see an object from a point of
view that is different from one�s own. individuals.
Autobiographical memory
A coherent set of memories about one�s life.
Negative identity
An identity that is in direct opposition to an identity that parents
or other adults would support.
Identity diffusion
A lack of interest in developing an identity.
Foreclosure
Commitment to an identity without any exploration of possibilities.
Identity achievement
The choice of an identity following exploration of the possibilities.
Self-esteem
How people feel about characteristics they associate with themselves.
Social comparison
The process of comparing oneself to others.
Self-esteem movement
School-based programs designed to boost students� self-esteem, with
the goal of eventually improving their academic performance.
Ideal self
The characteristics one aspires to in the future.
Gender identity
Stage when children�s concept of gender relies on external appearance.
Gender stability
Stage when children understand that their gender is constant over
time but don�t understand that gender doesn�t change if they do
activities usually performed by the other gender.
Gender constancy
The understanding that one�s gender remains constant even with
external changes.
Gender intensification
The idea (now largely refuted) that gender differences in behavior,
attitudes, and psychological characteristics become greater in early
adolescence than they were in childhood.
Androgyny
The idea that both sexes can have characteristics that are
traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine.
Congruence model
The idea that having a match between your gender and your gender role
orientation would be most beneficial to your psychological well-being.
Masculinity model
The idea that having masculine traits (regardless of your biological
gender) would be associated with high self-esteem and well-being
because it is masculine traits that are valued the most by Western society.
Sexual orientation
Preference for a sexual partner of the same or the opposite sex.
Ethnic identity
The attitudes toward an ethnic group to which you feel you belong.
Moral knowledge
Understanding of right and wrong.
Moral judgment
The way people reason about moral issues.
Heteronomous morality
Moral judgments based on the dictates of authority.
Immanent justice
The belief that unrelated events are automatic punishment for misdeeds.
Autonomous morality stage
When children are aware of the rules and realize that they must
adhere to them in order to maintain their interaction with others,
rather than because an adult has told them what to do.
Preconventional moral judgment
Moral reasoning that is marked by self-interest and motivation based
on rewards and punishments.
Conventional moral judgment
Moral reasoning that moves beyond self-interest to take into account
the good of others.
Postconventional moral judgment
Independently formed moral judgments that are based on universal
principles that apply to all people.