WHAT ARE IDENTITIES?

The term identity takes on various meanings in many different contexts. As identity theorist and psychologist James Marcia (2009) defines it, identity is “... a sense of who one is, based upon who one has been and who one can imagine oneself as becoming."

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When considering healthy identity, it is important to consider that development is a process, and that identities are based on not only our inner selves, but also on social contexts (Erikson, 1968). Identities can be based on multitudes of factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, culture, interests, and styles. People are complex and we all have many identities that make us who we are.

 

WHY IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

Thinking back to adolescence, most would agree that the question of Who am I? and What do I contribute to the world for being me? are immensely significant. At some point, we all seek to understand who we are. This process isn’t always easy. In fact, identity exploration and development can affect student well-being. Studies show that students who do not explore and subsequently "achieve" identities have a decreased sense of well-being, yet the exploration process is also stressful and anxiety-producing (Meeus et al., 1999). Adolescents need support to navigate this process and affirm their identities - a status correlated with increased psychological well-being (Meeus et al., 1999).

 

Adolescents need multiple, ongoing opportunities to explore their identities. Language arts teachers have a unique opportunity to help students engage with the social contexts that surround them and provide opportunities for identity exploration through texts.

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IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

• Parent & Teen's article on Developing Adolescent Identity

• This ACT for Youth Website with information on Adolescent Identity Development