6.3 Adolescence: Developing Independence and Identity

Question 1

adolescence

Answer 1

• the years between the onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood

Question 2

puberty

Answer 2

• a developmental period in which hormonal changes cause rapid physical alterations in the body, culminating in sexual maturity

Question 3

primary sex characteristics

Answer 3

• the sex organs concerned with reproduction

Question 4

secondary sex characteristics

Answer 4

• features that distinguish the two sexes from each other but are not involved in reproduction

Question 5

menarche

Answer 5

• the first menstrual period

Question 6

Identity-diffusion status

Answer 6

• The individual does not have firm commitments regarding the issues in question and is not making progress toward them.

Question 7

foreclosure status

Answer 7

• The individual has not engaged in any identity experimentation and has established an identity based on the choices or values of others

Question 8

moratorium status

Answer 8

• The individual is exploring various choices but has not yet made a clear commitment to any of them.

Question 9

identity-achievement status

Answer 9

• The individual has attained a coherent and committed identity based on personal decisions.

Question 10

social identity

Answer 10

• the part of the self-concept that is derived from one’s group memberships

Question 11

morality

Answer 11

• standards of behavior that are generally agreed on within a culture to be right or proper

Question 12

Kohlberg’s theory of morality

Answer 12

• proposes that moral reasoning is divided into the following stages: preconventional morality,
  conventional morality, and postconventional morality
• has been expanded and challenged, particularly by Gilligan, who has focused on differences in morality between boys and girls.