Identity formation in unstable times

Abstract

The process of adolescence, including identity formation, differs significantly from what it was in previous generations. This is a consequence, among other things, of the demographic and economic changes that have taken place in recent years, locally as well as globally. This introduction is devoted to a review of these problems, and the current issue comprises texts addressing selected questions in detail. Some scholars identify groups of young people characterized by a tendency to consciously avoid making commitments typical of adults. However, research results point to the positive impact of taking on adult roles on perceiving oneself as an adult. The person’s identity develops from childhood, encompassing various domains. During the transition from childhood to adolescence, the increase in self-awareness is accompanied by an intensification of seeking information about oneself and one’s own functioning and of making plans for the future. The stage of adulthood involves the verification of previously made choices by resuming exploratory activities, whose intensity is in proportion to the amount of significant changes in the individual’s environment.

How Individual Coping, Mental Health, and Parental Behavior Are Related to Identity Development in Emerging Adults in Seven Countries

“…As a result of demographic and economic transformations that have taken place in recent years in Europe and North America, the process of growing up, including identity formation, has changed significantly compared to previous generations (Arnett, 2000; Brzezińska & Cieciuch, 2016; Bynner, 2005). Research demonstrated a considerable delay and qualitative change (high exploration, low commitment) in identity development of emerging adults in many Western industrialized countries (Kroger et al, 2010).…”

“…As a result of demographic and economic transformations that have taken place in recent years in Europe and North America, the process of growing up, including identity formation, has changed significantly compared to previous generations (Arnett, 2000;Brzezińska & Cieciuch, 2016;Bynner, 2005).…”

Foster parenting in old age as a crisis. Baseline hope, generalised self-efficacy, and positive orientation of foster parents in late adulthood

“…A positively resolved crisis of old age leads to a sense of inner integrity, which manifests itself in kindness towards others, high self-esteem, satisfaction with one's current life, a positive assessment of one's past life, coming to terms with the inevitability of death, curiosity about the world, and a willingness to share one's own thoughts and experiences with younger people (Brzezińska, Appelt, Ziółkowska, 2016). The unresolved crisis of this period leads to despair and is associated with the inability to come to terms with the fact of the approaching end of life and feelings of regret for missed or lost opportunities, as well as the dominance of a sense of bitterness, pessimism, and resistance to change (Brzezińska, Hejmanowski, 2016).…”