Identity formation in adolescence and emerging adulthood: a process-oriented and applied perspective

Abstract

Identity formation constitutes the core developmental task youth face on their way to adulthood. Identity has increasingly been identified as a key construct for understanding both optimal and pathological functioning in community and clinical populations of different ages. The present article describes the five-dimensional identity model (Luyckx et al., 2008a), and subsequent research conducted at our center, and details how this research line has increasingly focused on assessing the clinical relevance of (neo-)Eriksonian identity constructs. Specific attention is paid to the role of identity formation for individuals adjusting to chronic illness. In so doing, the illness identity framework is introduced and relevant studies are reviewed. We end with suggestions for future research and emphasize the need for more integrative research crossing the boundaries of specific approaches (e.g., integrating process-and content-based approaches) if we want to move the field forward and inform clinical practice.