Identity formation

Identity formation, also called identity development or identity construction, is a complex process in which humans develop a clear and unique view of themselves and of their identity.

Self-concept, personality development, and values are all closely related to identity formation. Individuation is also a critical part of identity formation.[1][2][3] Continuity and inner unity are healthy identity formation, while a disruption in either could be viewed and labeled as abnormal development; certain situations, like childhood trauma, can contribute to abnormal development. Specific factors also play a role in identity formation, such as race, ethnicity, and spirituality.

The concept of personal continuity, or personal identity, refers to an individual posing questions about themselves that challenge their original perception, like "Who am I?"[4] The process defines individuals to others and themselves. Various factors make up a person's actual identity, including a sense of continuity,[5] a sense of uniqueness from others, and a sense of affiliation based on their membership in various groups like family, ethnicity, and occupation. These group identities demonstrate the human need for affiliation or for people to define themselves in the eyes of others and themselves.

Identities are formed on many levels. The micro-level is self-definition, relations with people, and issues as seen from a personal or an individual perspective. The meso-level pertains to how identities are viewed, formed, and questioned by immediate communities and/or families. The macro-level are the connections among and individuals and issues from a national perspective. The global level connects individuals, issues, and groups at a worldwide level.[6]

Identity is often described as finite and consisting of separate and distinct parts (e.g., family, cultural, personal, professional).

  1. ^ The Free Dictionary (2012). "Individuation". Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  2. ^ Herman, William E. (2011), "Identity Formation", in Goldstein, Sam; Naglieri, Jack A. (eds.), Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development, Boston, MA: Springer US, pp. 779–781, doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1443, ISBN 978-0-387-79061-9, retrieved 2020-12-12
  3. ^ Williams, B. A. O. (1956). "Personal Identity and Individuation". Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society. 57: 229–252. doi:10.1093/aristotelian/57.1.229. ISSN 0066-7374. JSTOR 4544578.
  4. ^ Olson, Eric T. (2019). "Personal Identity". In Zalta, Edward N. (ed.). The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2019 ed.). Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  5. ^ "Definition of continuity". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  6. ^ Kirk and Okazawa-Rey, Gwyn and Margo. "Identities and Social Locations: Who am I? Who are My People?" (PDF).