An Explication of Identity Shift Theory

Abstract

Abstract. First articulated in 2008, the concept of identity shift refers to the process of self-transformation that is the result of intentional self-presentation in a mediated context. As research into identity shift has become increasingly prevalent, our understanding of the concept’s mechanisms and constraints has become more detailed and in depth. We now have a greater understanding of the process and limitations of identity shift: an understanding sufficient to begin articulating a theory of identity shift that explains and predicts the intrapersonal effects of mediated self-presentations. The present work advances such a theory. We begin by summarizing and synthesizing extant identity shift work – including published articles, presented manuscripts, and unpublished research – to better understand the identity shift process. We then use this synthesis to articulate an initial theory (identity shift theory; IST) that specifies the processes, conditions, constraints, and effects of identity shift based on personal, psychological, and communicative characteristics. Ultimately, the advancement of identity shift theory can inform future research and practice into the implications of online self-presentation for self-effects.

“I Just Want to Be Me, Authentically”: Identity Shifting Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Young Adults

“…In such a context, it is common and, in some cases, necessary for individuals from racially and ethnically minoritized groups to shift or modify their identities to survive, adapt, cultivate a sense of belonging, and meet the demands and expectations of their social environment. This dynamic and multifaceted process has been described as identity shifting (e.g., Carr et al, 2021 ; Jones & Shorter-Gooden, 2003 ). This study examined how diverse college students engaged in outgroup (to fit in with White Americans) and ingroup (to fit in with their own ethnicity/race) identity shifting.…”

“…This can happen in the moment as well as over time. Other research suggests changes must be within the person’s control for identity shifting to occur (e.g., Carr et al, 2021 ). For example, thoughts may be easier to shift than physical characteristics or language (e.g., an accent).…”

“…Further, research suggests that identity shifting is context-dependent (Carr et al, 2021 ). Thus, college campuses are an ideal context to study shifting because attending college may be the first place many young adults have meaningful encounters with racially diverse others (Gaither & Sommers, 2013 ; Solórzano et al, 2000 ).…”

Innovating the Media Psychology of Interpretation, Identity, Interactivity, and Intersectionality

“…This call led to several submissions and from there, our editorial staff selected 12 total manuscripts for further development and publication. Six of those manuscripts were presented in late 2021 (Klimmt & Bowman, 2021) manuscripts that focused on identity shift (Carr et al, 2021), formal modeling and media selection (Fisher & Hamilton, 2021), inspirational media (Oliver et al, 2021), self-regulation and online engagement (Ozimek & Förster, 2021), and media multitasking (Wiradhany et al, 2021;Zamanzadeh & Rice, 2021). Although it is too soon to see the impact of those manuscripts in our system via downloads and citation metrics, papers under review with JMP have already begun working these ideas into theorizing and discussion sections.…”

Inspiring, Regulating, Multitasking, Modeling, and Shifting

“…Each of these manuscripts was further curated by one editor based on their own unique expertise areas, and that handling editor consulted with the authors (and with external editors) co-constructively arrive at the strongest possible final articles. Of that selected list of 12, six of them are presented to readers in this current issue of JMP (Carr et al, 2021;Fisher & Hamilton, 2021;Oliver et al, 2021;Ozimek & Förster, 2021;Zamanzadeh & Rice, 2021;Wiradhany, 2021) and the remaining will be published in a future issue. The sorting and ordering has no bearing on the quality of the papers, and was mostly influenced by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic in which our authors as well as editors are affected in systematic and inequitable ways (King & Frederickson, 2021;Staniscuaski et al, 2021) to this end, we extend our most sincere gratitude for everyone's patience and understanding.…”