Question 1

In the United States, one way for some to legitimatize an identity moratorium is to _____.

Accepted Answer

Going to college is often seen as a way to delay adulthood and explore one's identity in a supportive and structured environment, making it a common way to legitimatize an identity moratorium in the United States. Getting married, having a baby, or smoking marijuana are not necessarily seen as legitimate ways to explore one's identity in mainstream American culture.

Question 2

The identity status characterized by a lack of commitment to any goals or values was originally called identity _____.

Accepted Answer

The identity status characterized by a lack of commitment to any goals or values is often called identity diffusion. This status is characterized by a lack of exploration and commitment, resulting in a sense of confusion and uncertainty about one's identity. The other options, such as identity foreclosure and identity achievement, involve either a commitment to values or goals or both.

Question 3

According to Erikson, the ultimate adolescent psychosocial goal is identity _____.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the ultimate goal of adolescence is achieving a sense of identity, which involves integrating various aspects of oneself across time and situations to create a coherent sense of self. Identity diffusion refers to a lack of commitment or exploration of identity options, foreclosure refers to premature commitment to an identity without exploration, and moratorium refers to a period of exploration without commitment.

Question 4

The term for a pause in identity formation, when alternatives are explored before final choices are made, is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

A moratorium is a period of active exploration and experimentation of different roles and identities before coming to a final decision. This is a normal and necessary part of identity development in adolescence and young adulthood. Identity diffusion refers to a lack of direction and commitment, while role confusion refers to a disorientation and confusion about one's self and place in society. Negative identity refers to the adoption of an identity that is the opposite or antithesis of what is expected, such as becoming involved in crime or delinquency as a way of rebelling against societal norms.

Question 5

According to Erikson, adolescents are in the stage of _____.

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development identifies the adolescent stage as "identity versus role confusion." This stage is characterized by the search for a sense of self and identity, including exploring different roles and relationships in order to establish a cohesive identity.

Question 6

Role confusion refers to the identity status in which adolescents _____.

Accepted Answer

Role confusion is the identity status in which adolescents do not commit to goals and fail to take on any role. They may struggle with finding a sense of who they are and what they want to do with their lives. They may explore different options but do not make a clear decision or commitment. This is also known as the "identity diffusion" stage.

Question 7

Mary is an adolescent. According to Erikson, her new identity will be established by choosing _____.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the stage of adolescence is marked by the conflict of identity versus role confusion. During this stage, adolescents strive to establish a sense of identity by exploring different roles and values. Therefore, the best choice is C, which suggests that Mary will establish her new identity by embracing some parental and societal values while abandoning others. This process of exploration and experimentation is necessary for developing a sense of self and a clear understanding of one's values and beliefs. The other choices do not accurately reflect Erikson's theory of identity development in adolescence.

Question 8

During an identity moratorium, adolescents typically _____.

Accepted Answer

During an identity moratorium, adolescents may experiment with different identities, values, beliefs, and roles, but they do not commit to any one of them. Instead, they take on a temporary role and postpone identity-achievement decisions. They are actively exploring options and considering different possibilities before deciding on their identity. Therefore, option B is the best choice. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately depict what happens during an identity moratorium. Adolescents in this phase do not ignore their future roles and responsibilities (option A), change their identity completely from that of their youth (option C), or adopt their parents' views (option D) without questioning and testing them.

Question 9

An example of a behavior that demonstrates identity foreclosure is _____.

Accepted Answer

Identity foreclosure occurs when an individual adopts values or goals without exploring alternatives or considering different options. In this scenario, working in the family business because it is expected demonstrates identity foreclosure because the individual has not explored other options or considered different paths before making a decision.

Question 10

Role confusion is typically characterized by _____.

Accepted Answer

Role confusion is typically characterized by a lack of direction or focus, often resulting in an absence of concern about future goals or plans.

Question 11

Following Erikson's lead, _____ distinguished four specific ways in which young people cope with the identity crisis.

Accepted Answer

Marcia is the psychologist who distinguished four specific ways in which young people cope with the identity crisis, building on Erikson's ideas. Baumrind, Freud, and Skinner are not associated with this specific concept.

Question 12

Barrett is serving a two-year mission for his church at the age of 19. When he returns home from his mission assignment, he will decide whether or not to attend college and will make decisions about career and family. Barrett's current status is identity _____.

Accepted Answer

Barrett is currently in a moratorium, which is a period of exploration and decision-making without committing to a specific identity. He is using his mission as an opportunity to explore his beliefs and values before making decisions about his future.

Question 13

Which adolescent appears to be experiencing role confusion?

Accepted Answer

Role confusion is characterized by a lack of direction or purpose, often leading to aimlessness. Zachary's behavior of spending most of his time watching TV and hanging out with friends suggests a lack of commitment to any particular role or identity, indicating role confusion.

Question 14

According to Erikson, the goal of adolescence is to _____.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the goal of adolescence is to form a cohesive sense of identity. Adolescents are striving to answer the question "Who am I?" and establish a sense of personal identity that is separate from their parents and peers. While independence and intimate relationships are important developmental goals in adolescence, they are not the primary focus of this stage.

Question 15

Harold readily adopted his parent's political beliefs without question. Happy and secure, he enjoys participating in political events with his parents. His identity status reflects _____.

Accepted Answer

Harold's adoption of his parent's beliefs without questioning them reflects foreclosure, where an individual adopts a set of beliefs or values without exploring alternatives or considering their own identity. The other options (diffusion, achievement, and moratorium) do not fit this description.

Question 16

Seventeen-year-old Andrew failed several classes, lost his job, and spends most of his time sleeping on the couch. When his parents voice their disapproval, he replies, "Whatever." Andrew's response indicates _____.

Accepted Answer

Andrew's lack of direction and indifference suggest role confusion, a stage where an individual struggles to find their identity and place in society.

Question 17

Angel's parents wanted him to be part of the family business-and Angel planned to do so. Then, at age 21, he decided to leave the business to study to be a lawyer. Angel resisted _____.

Accepted Answer

Identity foreclosure occurs when an individual commits to an identity without exploring other options. Angel initially planned to join the family business, which could be seen as identity foreclosure, but then he decided to explore a different path by studying law.

Question 18

When a person adopts his or her parents' or society's roles and values without questioning and exploring a personal identity, it is referred to as identity _____.

Accepted Answer

Identity foreclosure occurs when a person adopts the roles and values of their parents or society without exploring their own personal identity or considering other options. It is a form of identity status in James Marcia's theory of identity development. Moratorium involves actively exploring different options and delaying committing to a specific identity. Diffusion refers to a lack of commitment to any particular identity and a lack of exploration. Achievement is the successful resolution of the identity crisis, marked by a commitment to a chosen identity after exploring different options.

Question 19

Psychosocial development during adolescence is often seen as a quest to answer the question _____

Accepted Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the primary psychosocial crisis during adolescence is identity versus role confusion. This involves an exploration of one's values, beliefs, and sense of self in order to answer the question "Who am I?" Adolescents may also consider their future plans and careers (option A) and may be interested in relationships (option B), but these fall under the larger question of identity development. Option D is a common adolescent complaint, but it does not capture the essence of the psychosocial crisis.

Question 20

Without any thoughtful consideration, Sean took on an identity that is the opposite of what his parents want for him. Sean has adopted a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

Sean has taken on an identity that goes against his parents' wishes, suggesting that it has negative connotations. A negative identity is characterized by behaviors, values, and attitudes that are viewed unfavorably by society, family, or peers. In this case, Sean's choice of identity may lead to conflict with his parents and potentially negative consequences.

Quiz 16: Adolescence: Psychosocial Development