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Chapter Glossary
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adolescent rebellion  Pattern of emotional turmoil, characteristic of a minority of adolescents that may involve conflict with family, alienation from adult society, reckless behavior, and rejection of adult values. 454
commitment  Marcia's term for personal investment in an occupation or system of beliefs. 441
crisis  Marcia's term for a period of conscious decision making related to identity formation. 441
cultural socialization  Parental practices that teach children about their racial/ethnic heritage and promote cultural practices and cultural pride. 445
emerging adulthood  Proposed transitional period between adolescence and adulthood, usually extending from the late teens through the mid-20s. 466
foreclosure  Identity status, described by Marcia, in which a person who has not spent time considering alternatives (that is, has not been in crisis) is committed to other people's plans for his or her life. 442
identity  In Erikson's terminology, a coherent conception of the self made up of goals, values, and beliefs to which a person is solidly committed. 440
identity achievement  Identity status, described by Marcia, that is characterized by commitment to choices made following a crisis, a period spent in exploring alternatives. 441
identity diffusion  Identity status, described by Marcia, that is characterized by absence of commitment and lack of serious consideration of alternatives. 443
identity statuses  Marcia's term for states of ego development that depend on the presence or absence of crisis and commitment. 441
identity versus identity confusion  Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, in which an adolescent seeks to develop a coherent sense of self, including the role she or he is to play in society. Also called identity versus role confusion. 440
individuation  Adolescent's struggle for autonomy and differentiation, or personal identity. 455
moratorium  Identity status, described by Marcia, in which a person is considering alternatives (in crisis) and seems headed for commitment. 442
sexual orientation  Gender focus of consistent sexual, romantic, and affectionate interest, either heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. 445
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)  Diseases spread by sexual contact. 449







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