Identity Development Processes

Abstract

During adolescence, individuals gradually start to think more about identity issues as a result of their more advanced emotional, cognitive, and social abilities and new demands from society. One key developmental task of adolescence is, therefore, to develop a stable and coherent identity. This entry outlines the two main approaches to identity development processes, the one focusing on exploration and commitment processes and the other on narrative identity processes. Within these two approaches, important aspects of the domains and contexts in which adolescents develop their identity are highlighted.

Los posibles sí mismos en la adolescencia y su relación con las experiencias de disfrute y realización personal

“…y "¿qué tengo que hacer para lograrlo?" (Frisén & Eriksson, 2020;Montgomery, 2020). Es así como los/as jóvenes realizan un proceso de exploración y compromiso respecto de quienes son, pero también respecto de quiénes pueden llegar a ser o de sus posibles sí mismos (PSs).…”

Positive Youth Identity: The Role of Adult Social Support

“…Identity has been described as a cognitive structure that incorporates one's answers to the questions about who they are and what they want out of life [3]. Although awareness of self has its foundations in early childhood, adolescence is identified as the developmental period in which a coherent sense of self is formed [4]. Without developing a cohesive sense of identity in adolescence, milestones like establishing intimate relationships in early adulthood, instigating generative projects in midlife, and growing old with a sense of integrity and accomplishment will likely be out of reach [5].…”

“…Moreover, they begin to stand up to external expectations and new societal demands to prepare for their future lives as adults. Examples include completing school or making occupational choices [4]. Very few developmental periods are characterized by so many changes at so many different levels [7].…”