The ongoing process of developing and revising self-concept
Core Idea: Identity formation is the dynamic, lifelong process through which individuals develop, maintain, and revise their sense of self, integrating personal attributes, values, experiences, social roles, and group memberships.
Key Elements
Core Components
- Self-concept: Cognitive beliefs about one's attributes and characteristics
- Values alignment: Integration of personal values into identity structure
- Social role integration: Incorporating professional and relational roles
- Group affiliations: Membership in cultural, social, and interest communities
- Narrative construction: Creating cohesive life stories that explain one's development
Formation Processes
- Exploration: Investigating different potential identities and roles
- Commitment: Selecting and internalizing specific identity elements
- Integration: Synthesizing various identity components into a coherent whole
- Revision: Modifying identity in response to new experiences and insights
- Projection: Expressing identity through behaviors, choices, and self-presentation
Developmental Factors
- Childhood experiences: Early influences from family and primary environments
- Adolescent identity crisis: Erikson's critical period of identity vs. role confusion
- Adult transitions: Ongoing identity evolution through life's major changes
- Cultural context: Impact of prevailing norms and societal expectations
- Generational location: Influence of shared historical experiences
Identity Challenges
- Identity foreclosure: Premature commitment without adequate exploration
- Identity diffusion: Lack of coherent sense of self and direction
- Over-identification: Excessive attachment to singular identity elements
- Identity stagnation: Resistance to necessary identity evolution
- Identity conflict: Tensions between incompatible identity components
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Developmental Psychology (broader field examining human development)
- Applications: Career Transitions (navigating identity shifts in professional contexts)
- See Also: The Danger of Identity Labels (challenges of rigid self-categorization)
References
- Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis
- Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of ego-identity status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3(5), 551–558.
#identity #psychology #development #self-concept
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- From: Sivers-Hell Yeah or No