Identity: Who Am I?
This blog post will focus on psychological principles that focuses on finding your Identity.
PSYCHOLOGY
Maya
10/8/20264 min read
What Is Identity?
When focusing on your own Identity, the first question asked is: Who am I? According to Merriam-Webster (2018), identity is the "distinguishing character or personality of an individual." Identity is the collection of values, beliefs, and attitudes that bring a sense of individuality. Through identity formation, these values, beliefs, and attitudes develop over time through observing others, early experiences, and experimentation with social roles (Arnold, 2017). In this week's blog post, let us explore the psychological principles of identity through the work of psychologists Erik Erikson and James Marcia.
Erikson's Developmental Model
Erikson created a developmental model that focuses on psychosocial development across the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood. Erikson became interested in how social interactions shape development. Erikson's 8 stages of development are grounded in the epigenetic principle, which suggests a sequential order that unfolds over time. He believed no one could skip stages; they naturally flowed to the next stage over time (Cherry, 2023). Erikson believed each stage involved a conflict that needed to be resolved to gain the strengths and skills needed for the next stage of life and develop a clear sense of self. However, although identity formation begins in Stage 5: Identity versus Role Confusion, it remains impactful and continues to develop in later developmental stages. During the Identity versus Role Confusion stage, individuals explore independence and develop a sense of self by identifying their values, beliefs, and what matters to them. Adolescents typically experience a shift toward greater influence from peer groups and increased peer pressure at this developmental stage. Erikson believed this stage is the opportune time for an individual to experiment with what they value and believe in. As a result, individuals develop the virtue of fidelity. By developing this virtue, individuals can stay true to themselves while also living by societal expectations and standards (Cherry, 2023). On the other hand, Individuals who struggle to master this stage of psychosocial development may experience role confusion. People who experience role confusion often feel unsure about their beliefs and desires, creating insecurities about themselves and their future (Cherry, 2023).
Marcia’s Identity Statuses
Psychologist James Marcia further elaborated on Erikson's psychosocial development model to develop identity statuses. During this developmental stage, his identity status model allowed individuals to identify and measure where they are in their identity exploration. Marcia focused on two questions.
The first question is: Have you explored? This question asks whether the individual has begun to explore different values, interests, and options.
The second question is: Have you committed? This question focuses on the individual's commitment to certain values and interests and gaining a sense of self. After identifying these two questions, Marcia identified four identity statuses.
Four Types of Identity Statuses
Identity Moratorium: Individuals in this status are willing to explore values, interests, beliefs, and opinions without fully committing.
Identity Diffusion: Individuals in this status have not yet explored and have made no commitments to any values or interests. These individuals typically follow and align with what is popular and lack a clear sense of self.
Identity Achievement: Individuals in this status are willing to explore values, interests, beliefs, and opinions and have made commitments.
Identity Foreclosure: The individual's identity is given to them through family, community, religion, or a group. This individual adopts the identity without exploration. As a result, research shows that these individuals' ability to reach identity achievement during the transition to adulthood decreases significantly (Arnold, 2017).
It is important to note that the identity status can cause significant emotional distress. Past research shows that those who are in moratorium and diffusion experience an increase in the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms (Verschueren, M. et al., 2017). According to Verschueren et al. (2017), past research also shows that those in foreclosure and achievement show elevated self-esteem.
Ways to Develop Your Identity
Identify your values: make a list of values and sort them out; see which values you deem important to you versus those you do not. You can also identify which of those values your family, community, or even peer group has adopted. Then decide whether you want to adopt them. Identifying your values will help you build self-awareness and sort out what you truly believe versus what those around you believe.
Identify your strengths: What are you good at? Take time to identify the skills and interests you are competent in.
Identify goals that align with your values and strengths: If you are struggling to make decisions about your future and about the person you want to become, focus on your values, beliefs, and strengths. Focus on your values, beliefs, and strengths. Once you identify your strengths and values, use them as a compass to set small, attainable goals to develop your identity further.
Utilize Your Support System: Identify individuals that you trust and have experienced Identity formation. These individuals can be an older friend, older sibling, youth leader, or coach who can offer different perspectives and experiences. You may find support and encouragement through these interactions.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website, including all thoughts, strategies, and faith-based perspectives, is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, licensed therapist, or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, thoughts of self-harm, or a medical emergency, please call your local emergency services (like 911 or 988 in the US) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Sources
Arnold, M. E. (2017). Supporting adolescent exploration and commitment: Identity formation, thriving, and positive youth development. Journal of Youth Development, 12(4), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2017.522
Cherry, K. (2023, December 4). Identity vs. role confusion in psychosocial development. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/identity-versus-confusion-2795735
Merriam-Webster. (2018). Definition of identity. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity
Verschueren, M. et al. (2017). Identity Statuses throughout Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: A Large-Scale Study into Gender, Age, and Contextual Differences. Psychologica Belgica, 57(1), pp. 32–42, DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/pb.348
Questions to Ponder
1. What did you find helpful during your identity formation?
2.Who were your supports that you leaned on during the early stages of your identity formation?
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