Identity around the world: An overview

This chapter outlines Erik Erikson' s theory of identity, empirical operationalizations of this theory, and key assumptions that have characterized the study of identity in adolescence and emerging adulthood. It discusses the origins of psychosocial identity theories in North American cultural contexts and crosscultural issues involved in using neo-Eriksonian identity models in other contexts. In particular, the chapter examines the individualist assumptions that underlie the neo-Eriksonian approach. The chapter concludes with a review of the other six chapters in this volume and of the countries on which these other chapters focus.

In line with Erikson's suggestions, increasing empirical evidence substantiates that considerable identity development takes place over the course of adulthood. What then does identity development during adulthood entail? The key findings of adult identity formation from four culturally different countries, and the challenges of analyzing the complex concept of identity are discussed. Although a wide array of identity measures are available, they have not been sufficiently validated for use with middle-aged or older adults. Additionally, different measures may yield results that are not comparable across studies. More studies are needed on adult identity development in populations representing different ethnicities and living in different cultural environments.

Identity, 2018

This introductory analysis presents the content of the special issue entitled "Fifty years since 'Identity: Youth and Crisis': A renewed look at Erikson's writings on identity." The authors of the nine thought pieces that compose this special issue were invited to direct the attention of readers of Identity to aspects of Eriksonian thought that they believe have been left undeveloped or underdeveloped. A number of powerful and relevant topics were raised in this collection. Authors call upon identity scholars to engage more fully with the relational, contextual, interactional, and cultural components of Erikson's theory, including analysis of identity development within the context of important relationships; the advent of the Internet as a context for identity development; and greater acknowledgement of the impact of forces of marginalization and oppression on identity development. In addition, articles in this special issue explore difficult or problematic aspects of identity development that have been relatively neglected in previous research, including negative identity, identity crisis, and pseudospeciation. A deeper analysis of epigenetic processes of development is offered, as is an analysis of Erikson's implication of the unconscious in identity development. Together this collection of essays provides a framework for moving research based in Eriksonian theory forward.

This chapter reviews the neo-Eriksonian personal identity literature, focusing on advances that have occurred since 2001. The majority of the chapter is dedicated to the development of new identity status models, continuing research on existing status-based models, and the continued emergence and expansion of narrative identity models and studies. The chapter also reviews measurement issues and domain specificity in neo-Eriksonian identity literature, focusing on the need to consider identity domains separately rather than summing across them. The chapter concludes with a summary of major correlates of identity and of intersectionality between and among different identity domains and processes. Recommendations for future neo-Eriksonian identity theory and research are provided.

Blackwell Handbook of Adolescence, 2006

2008

Identity is a central focus of research in the social sciences, national and international politics, and everyday discourse. This volume brings together an interdisciplinary set of social scientists who study personal and social identity. The chapters span childhood through emerging adulthood. This chapter introduces

Identity, 2005

1 Erikson meets the Postmodern: Can classic identity theory rise to the challenge? Abstract The article differentiates between two ways in which the postmodern is described as challenging Erikson's identity theory: postmodernity as a unique context of development and postmodernism as a critical theory of knowledge. Erikson's theory is evaluated from both perspectives. It is suggested that Erikson's writings contain significant concepts that can be used to constructively address many of the concerns of postmodernists. Erikson's concept of identity structure as a goal-oriented configuration of identity elements created through the interaction of the individual and society, coupled with his portrayal of multiple possible cultural goals and values guiding childrearing practice are seen as key concepts with which Erikson's theory can explain and acknowledge diverse and context-sensitive structures of identity. A call is made to bring both values and cultural content back into the domain of the psychological study of identity.

2012

The process of identity formation during the transition from adolescence into adulthood and its determinants are currently a central issue in the social sciences. On the one hand, the huge variety of possibilities presents the opportunity to expand the fields of exploration and to tailor commitments to individual aspirations and preferences. On the other hand, increasing instability and Bauman’s liquidity of the social environment of development may create threats that impede the making of decisions, engaging in their realization, and identifying with the choices made. James Marcia’s two-stage model of identity formation no longer adequately describes and accounts for paths of identity development. The dynamic dual-cycle model of identity formation developed by Koen Luyckx and collaborators is much more accurate. Although identity continues to develop throughout course of life, childhood, and adolescence in particular, seems to be pivotal from the point of view of which development...

Identity, 2016

In line with Erikson's suggestions, increasing empirical evidence substantiates that considerable identity development takes place over the course of adulthood. What then does identity development during adulthood entail? The key findings of adult identity formation from four culturally different countries, and the challenges of analyzing the complex concept of identity are discussed. Although a wide array of identity measures are available, they have not been sufficiently validated for use with middle-aged or older adults. Additionally, different measures may yield results that are not comparable across studies. More studies are needed on adult identity development in populations representing different ethnicities and living in different cultural environments.

Handbook of identity …, 2011

Appeared in: Schwartz, S. J., Luyckx, K., & Vignoles, V. L. (Eds.; 2011). Handbook of identity theory and research: Structure and processes. New York: Springer. (pp. 77-98) 1