Chapter 12: Self and Identity - Identity Formation

Chapter 12: Self and Identity - Identity Formation

Eric Erikson's Theory of Identity Formation

  • Erikson posits that significant identity formation and exploration occurs during adolescence.

    • Adolescents critically examine aspects of self-identity including:

    • Who they are

    • What they are about

    • Where they are heading in life

Identity Crisis

  • An identity crisis, according to Erikson, manifests as temporary distress during adolescence.

    • Factors:

    • Numerous options to choose from can lead to confusion.

    • Feelings of not knowing one's identity can be uncomfortable.

    • Resolution:

    • Adolescents need to navigate this crisis in order to establish a stable sense of identity.

Key Challenges in Adolescence

  • The journey to establish a robust identity is complex and involves many steps rather than straightforward milestones toward adulthood.

  • Individual differences in identity development are significant, as illustrated by varying adolescents' plans for their future:

    • Aspirations range from:

    • “I want to play in the NFL.”

    • “I aim to study medicine and serve abroad.”

    • “I have known since I was six that I want to be on Broadway.”

    • Some express a desire for exploration, while others express confusion or contradictory goals.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

  • This crucial period involves defining oneself and one’s values.

  • Key elements defined by Erikson include:

    • Commitment to:

    • Vocations (careers)

    • Personal relationships

    • Sexual orientation

    • Ethnic or cultural identity

    • Ideals

  • Successful exploration leads to resolution of the identity crisis.

  • Failing to properly resolve this can lead to role confusion, characterized by:

    • Lack of direction

    • Undefined self-concept

Impact of Restricted Exploration

  • Role confusion can be influenced by prior unresolved psychosocial issues.

  • Societal restrictions on personal choices (including gender roles) can also hinder identity formation, such as:

    • Cultures that limit options for women

    • Environments that restrict individuals from pursuing careers traditionally held by the opposite gender

  • Failing to resolve identity conflicts can result in:

    • Unpreparedness for adulthood

    • Negative feelings and poor psychosocial adjustment

James Marcia's Identity Statuses

  • Marcia expanded upon Erikson's theories and proposed four identity statuses:

    1. Identity Achievement

    • Involves commitment to values and goals following a period of exploration.

    • Aligns closely with Erikson's resolution of identity.

    1. Identity Moratorium

    • Involves active exploration without making commitments yet.

    • This status allows for a personal search without settled decisions.

    1. Identity Foreclosure

    • Involves commitments made without exploring alternatives.

    • Example: A person pursuing a predefined career path dictated by their upbringing (e.g., aspiring to be on Broadway since childhood without inquiry into other interests).

    1. Identity Diffusion

    • Characterized by lack of both exploration and commitment.

    • Individuals appear apathetic, uncertain about their identity.

Table of Identity Statuses

  • Represents commitment and exploration levels:

    • High Exploration, High Commitment = Identity Achievement

    • Low Exploration, High Commitment = Identity Foreclosure

    • High Exploration, Low Commitment = Identity Moratorium

    • Low Exploration, Low Commitment = Identity Diffusion

Cognitive Styles in Identity Development

  • Information Gathering Cognitive Style

    • Involves seeking relevant information, evaluating it, and revising views accordingly.

    • This style supports psychological well-being, represented by:

    • Ability to adapt views based on new information

    • Example: Actively researching political candidates rather than adhering strictly to parental influence.

  • Dogmatic Cognitive Style (Identity Foreclosure)

    • Involves rigidly adopting beliefs without questioning.

    • Can hinder personal development, seen in individuals who resist alternative viewpoints (e.g., Anti-vaxxers).

  • Diffused Avoidant Cognitive Style (Identity Diffusion)

    • Characterized by a disregard for personal decision-making, letting external factors dictate responses.

    • Example: Individuals uninterested in societal issues, including voting.

Factors Affecting Identity Development

  • Personality Traits:

    • Flexible and open-minded personalities promote identity exploration.

  • Child-Rearing Practices:

    • Authoritative parenting fosters identity achievement.

    • Secure attachment allows children the freedom to express their opinions, conducive to identity formation (moratorium or achievement).

    • Authoritarian parenting correlates with identity foreclosure, limiting exploration opportunities.

  • Peer/Community Influence:

    • Diverse interactions among peers from varied backgrounds (ethnicity, economics, etc.) provide opportunities for exploration.

    • Communities with rich prospects for interaction facilitate identity development (e.g., schools with high cultural diversity).

Importance of Exploration

  • Continuous theme across Erikson and Marcia's theories states that exploration is critical for identity development and eventual psychological well-being.

  • Conclusively, fostering environments that encourage exploration enables individuals to navigate their identity formation effectively.

  • Exploration leads to the essential understanding necessary for developing a well-defined identity and positively contributes to psychological health.

  • End of Chapter 12 Notes on Identity Development with Dr. Ashe.