dentity Formation:
Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development
When psychologists talk about a person's identity, they are
referring to the values,beliefs, and ideals that guide the individual's behavior
(Erikson, 1964a; Marcia,1991). Our sense of personal identity gives us an integrated
and continuing
sense of self over time. Identity formation is a process that
continues throughout
the lifespan.As we embrace new and different roles over the
course of our lives,
we define ourselves in new ways (Erikson & others, 1986;
Grotevant, 1992).
For the first time in the lifespan, the adolescent possesses the
cognitive skills
necessary for dealing with identity issues in a meaningful way
(Habermas & Bluck,
2000). Beginning in early adolescence, self-definition shifts.
Preadolescent children
tend to describe themselves in very concrete social and
behavioral terms. An 8-year-