1. Adolescent Identity Formation

2. On the Conceptualization of Identity Erickson’s Stages Childhood 1.Trust 2.Autonomy 3.Initiative and ambition 4.Industry and competence Adolescence 5.Identity formation Adulthood 6.Intimacy 7.Generativity 8.Integrity

3. What is Identity: Erikson Conscious sense of individual uniqueness Striving for continuity of experience Solidarity from group ideals The Charge: such definitions are vague, unsystematic, too colloquial.

4. Marcia (1966) Identity Commitments Identity is construed as committing to a particular vocation, sexuality, religion, political ideology, etc… There is a progression of commitment “types” and “trying on” of commitments

5. The Identity Process Adolescence –Identity-diffused: no strong commitment and not seeking one –Foreclosed: strong commitments but adopted from one’s parents or others blindly Identity Crisis: Unstable state—moratorium: One has no commitments but is seeking to make them.

6. Resolution from Moratorium Two paths: –Identity-achieved (positive, relatively stable state): you commit. –Identity-diffused (negative, complex): you fail to commit.

7. Revisiting the Definition Possible components –Agency –Rationality –Singularity –Continuity

8. Process Model of Identity Formation: Grotevant (1987) Exploration and Commitment –Scientific self-theorists –Dogmatic self-theorists –Ad hoc self-theorists Correlates well with typology of Marcia