Erikson: identity formation

Identity Development in Adolescence

• Questions of identity arise during early adolescence.

Early Adolescence

• Main focus is on social relationships and peer groups.

Late Adolescence

• Characterized by vocational expectations.

Erikson's Identity Development Theory

• The first element essential to developing an identity is exploration.
• The second element essential to developing an identity is commitment.
• The third element essential to developing an identity is crisis.

Identity Formation

• One way adolescents create an identity is by exploring different roles and ideologies.
• Opportunities for adolescents may be restricted due to social and economic constraints.

Marcia's Identity Status Theory

• The term 'identity exploration' is preferred over 'identity crisis'.
• The identity status that combines no exploration with no commitment is diffusion.
• The identity status characterized by commitment but no exploration is foreclosure.
• The term 'identity achievement' is used to describe the identity status where adolescents have made definite personal, occupational, and ideological choices.
• The main difference between diffusion and foreclosure is that foreclosure involves a commitment to a specific identity, while diffusion does not.

Unhealthy Identity Status

• Foreclosure is considered an unhealthy identity status according to Marcia and most scholars.

Erikson's Identity Construction Process

• The term 'identity vs. role confusion' is used to describe the process through which young people construct their identity.

Identity Statuses

• The identity status characterized by exploration but no commitment is moratorium.
• The identity status that combines commitment but no exploration is foreclosure.