Question 1

Problems in identity development can result when:

Accepted Answer

Identity development involves going through a series of crises and making commitments to certain roles and values. If a previous crisis has not been resolved, it can hinder the ability to move through subsequent crises and make a firm commitment to an identity. This can result in identity confusion or diffusion.

Question 2

The key to resolving the crisis of identity versus identity diffusion, according to Erikson, is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The key to resolving the crisis of...

Question 3

Which adolescent would be expected to have the greatest difficulty establishing a sense of identity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which adolescent would be expected to have...

Question 4

Dr. Mullins argues that adolescence is such a demanding time that adolescents need several years with as few responsibilities as possible so they can sort out their identities. His argument focuses on the need for a period of:

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mullins' argument emphasizes the need for a "psychosocial moratorium," which refers to a period of time where adolescents can temporarily suspend the responsibilities of adulthood to focus on exploring and solidifying their sense of identity.

Question 5

What is the best way to conceptualize movement through the four identity states?

Accepted Answer

The four identity states are not necessarily experienced in a predetermined or linear order, but rather individuals may move through the states in different ways and at different rates. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 6

Generalizing from Marcia's research on identity, who is most likely to become an authoritarian parent and have the highest need for social approval?

Accepted Answer

According to Marcia's theory, individuals who have achieved identity foreclosure tend to have a high need for social approval and may be more likely to adopt authoritarian parenting styles. Therefore, Tara, who has identity foreclosed, is the most likely to become an authoritarian parent and have a high need for social approval.

Question 7

Bruce, a second-year college student, has switched majors three times. He is still undecided about what he wants to do with his life. Bruce is in:

Accepted Answer

Bruce is in a state of psychosocial moratorium, which means he is trying out different roles and exploring various options before committing to a specific identity or path. This is a common stage of development for young adults in late adolescence and early adulthood.

Question 8

According to Erikson, a necessary "time-out" for adolescents is called:

Accepted Answer

Erikson believed that young people need a psychosocial moratorium, during which they can experiment with different roles and personalities without receiving negative consequences. This period of time allows for exploration and identity formation.

Question 9

Sixteen-year-old Geneva believes that the death penalty is wrong because her parents, friends, and church say so. She has never really thought about the issue, but has accepted this view as her own. This pattern of following what her parents and peers say and do is pervasive throughout most of her beliefs and behaviors. Which identity state do you think Geneva is in?

Accepted Answer

Geneva is in a state of foreclosure, where she has adopted the beliefs and values of her parents and peers without questioning or exploring them for herself.

Question 10

James has flunked out of high school, has severed all of his ties with family and friends, and has no sense of where he is headed. He also seems to have significant disruptions in his sense of time (some things seem to happen much faster than they really do). According to Erikson, James is experiencing:

Accepted Answer

James is experiencing identity diffusion, which is characterized by a lack of direction, commitment, and purpose in life, often accompanied by social isolation and disruptions in the perception of time. This aligns with Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, where identity diffusion represents a failure to achieve a coherent sense of identity.

Question 11

Generally speaking, the parenting style that is associated with the healthiest identity development is:

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that a parenting style that is warm and supportive, while also allowing for individuality and autonomy, is associated with the healthiest identity development in children. This parenting style is commonly known as an authoritative parenting style, which balances warmth and support with reasonable expectations and boundaries. Children who grow up with this parenting style are more likely to develop a strong sense of self and confidence in their abilities.

Question 12

Edith, the adolescent daughter of the local district attorney, has recently been hanging out with a rowdy group of youth who have vandalized a number of public buildings. Edith has most likely adopted a:

Accepted Answer

Edith's association with the rowdy group of youth who engage in vandalism suggests that she has adopted a negative identity, which is characterized by behaviors and attitudes that go against societal norms and values. While false-self behavior and negative peer culture may also play a role in her actions, they are not necessarily indicative of a negative identity.

Question 13

Jessica is 15 years old and spends most of her energy wondering who she is and what kind of person she will become. Erikson would describe her as facing the crisis called:

Accepted Answer

Jessica's concern about her identity and future is a hallmark characteristic of Erikson's stage of identity versus identity diffusion, which occurs during adolescence. During this stage, individuals grapple with questions such as "Who am I?" and "What kind of person do I want to be?" in their search for a cohesive sense of self.

Question 14

Since Ignacio became an adolescent, he has experimented with different roles and personalities. Ignacio's parents are telling all their friends that this is just a "phase" that he's going through. According to Erikson, this "phase" is called:

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the adolescent stage involves a crisis of identity versus role confusion. This is a time when individuals may experiment with different roles and personalities in order to establish a sense of self. The period of exploration and experimentation is known as a psychosocial moratorium, where individuals have a pause from making commitments and prepare for adulthood. Therefore, the best choice is B, psychosocial moratorium.

Question 15

According to the textbook, which identity status is associated with a coherent sense of identity?

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook, achievement is the identity status associated with a coherent sense of identity. It is characterized by a commitment to a set of self-chosen values, beliefs, and goals after exploring different options during the identity exploration process.

Question 16

Identity that is incoherent, disjointed, and characterized by an incomplete sense of self is called:

Accepted Answer

Identity diffusion is characterized by a lack of commitment to any particular role or direction in life, resulting in an incoherent and disjointed sense of self. This is often due to a lack of exploration and decision-making, leading to confusion and uncertainty about one's identity. False-self behavior refers to presenting a false or distorted image of oneself to others, while moratorium is a temporary period of experimentation and exploration before settling on a more stable sense of identity. Marginal identity refers to being on the fringes of society, lacking a clear sense of belonging or identity.

Question 17

Whose research supports Erikson's theory on identity development?

Accepted Answer

Marcia's research on identity development supports Erikson's theory by expanding upon Erikson's stages to include four identity statuses based on exploration and commitment.

Answers A, B, and D are incorrect because while Phinney, Harter, and Gilligan have contributed significantly to the field of human development, their research does not specifically support Erikson's theory on identity development.

Question 18

Alex suffers from identity diffusion. In addition to problems with identity development, problems with identity diffusion are likely to be reflected in the area(s) of:

Accepted Answer

Problems with identity diffusion can affect all areas of a person's life, including autonomy (ability to make independent decisions), intimacy (forming close relationships), and sexuality (forming a healthy sexual identity). Therefore, all of the choices are correct.

Question 19

Which of the following individuals would be considered to be in an identity achieved state?

Accepted Answer

Francis is the only individual who has established a coherent sense of identity after a period of exploration, and therefore would be considered to be in an identity achieved state. Alexandra (A) is in the identity diffusion state, Denise (B) is in identity foreclosure, and Brandon (C) is in identity moratorium.

Question 20

Across all of the identity development frameworks, what is a common factor related to healthy development?

Accepted Answer

A common factor in various identity development frameworks is the emphasis on a period of experimentation and exploration before individuals make final decisions about their identity. This process allows for a more informed and authentic sense of self.

Quiz 8: Identity