An integrated developmental model for studying identity content in context.

Abstract

Historically, identity researchers have placed greater emphasis on processes of identity development (how people develop their identities) and less on the content of identity (what the identity is). The relative neglect of identity content may reflect the lack of a comprehensive framework to guide research. In this article, we provide such a comprehensive framework for the study of the content of identity, including four levels of analysis. At the broadest level, we situate individual identity within historical, cultural, and political contexts, elaborating on identity development within the context of shifting cultural norms, values, and attitudes.Histories of prejudice and discrimination are relevant in shaping intersections among historically marginalized identities. Second, we examine social roles as unique and central contexts for identity development, such that relationship labels become integrated into a larger identity constellation. Third, domains of individual or personal identity content intersect to yield a sense of self in which various aspects are subjectively experienced as an integrated whole. We explore the negotiation of culturally marginalized and dominant identity labels, as well as idiosyncratic aspects of identities based on unique characteristics or group memberships. Finally, we argue that the content of identity is enacted at the level of everyday interactions, the "micro-level" of identity. The concepts of identity conflict, coherence, and compartmentalization are presented as strategies used to navigate identity content across these four levels. This framework serves as an organizing tool for the current literature, as well as for designing future studies on the identity development.

Intersectionality and Youth Identity Development Research in Europe

“…This contextualized focus maps onto recent progress within the broad field of identity development research. For instance, numerous scholars have returned to Erikson's (1950Erikson's ( , 1968 seminal work to advocate for a more nuanced recognition of the dynamic relationship between person and society (Schachter, 2004;Galliher et al, 2017;Rogers, 2018;Syed and Fish, 2018). These scholars are pushing against the mainstream psychological perspective on normative identity development as linear and intrapsychic, instead recognizing its situated, contextual nature.…”

“…These scholars are pushing against the mainstream psychological perspective on normative identity development as linear and intrapsychic, instead recognizing its situated, contextual nature. Galliher et al (2017) explicitly draw on intersectional theory as they put forth a developmental model for contextualized identity research, underscoring the importance of taking into account both the socio-historical context as well as the content of identity development.…”

“…One fundamental element of doing so is recognizing the situated nature of both the research itself and the individuals under study-neither development nor developmental science occurs in a vacuum, and our contexts matter. Galliher et al (2017) argue that a thorough investigation of content necessarily requires attention to context in order to situate both the micro-and macro-level experiences of participants as they draw meaning from and give meaning to their own identities. From an intersectional perspective, context also necessarily includes the structures of power and privilege shaping everyday lived experience, and, in turn, development.…”

Forging Diversity‐Science‐Informed Guidelines for Research on Race and Racism in Psychological Science

“…We argue that research on race and racism is greatly improved when scholars work to recognize the importance of intersectionality in their theories, methods, and populations of study (Cole, 2009;Galliher, McLean, & Syed, 2017;Grzanka, Santos, & Moradi, 2017;Nicolas, de la Fuente, & Fiske, 2017). Intersectionality concerns how people's multiple identities simultaneously influence their lived experiences in an interactive and inseparable manner (Cole, 2009;Grzanka et al, 2017).…”

“It’s a New Chapter Now”: Establishing Commitments in the Romantic Domain during Young Adulthood

“…Recently, several researchers have called for studies examining the content that makes up individual identities, in addition to the processes by which identity is developed (Galliher, McLean, & Syed, 2017;Josselson & Flum, 2014;McLean & Syed, 2014b). Considering identity content may involve examining how individuals develop their identities in relation to specific areas of life (McLean & Syed, 2014b).…”