Identity Processes in Adulthood: Theoretical and Methodological Challenges

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Identity: An International Journal of theory and Research

The study of identity development in adulthood presents a number of fascinating theoretical challenges, including the relationship of identity to physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Equally challenging is the measurement of identity processes throughout the adult years. In this article, we discuss a theoretical model that relates identity to experiences in adulthood and incorporates the processes of identity assimilation, identity accommodation, and identity balance. We present data examining the relationship between the Identity and Experiences Scale, a thirty-three-item self-report rating scale, and the Defense Mechanisms Inventory. Relationships of identity processes to hypothesized personality constructs, gender, and age are discussed and examined as a basis for elaborating more fully on the model and its measurement.

It is a difficult and elusive process to define and measure identity. Erikson's definition of identity as the individual's answer to the question "Who am I?" provided a useful starting point but few details on which to base a measurable construct. The next major milestone was Marcia's operationalization of identity in terms of the "identity statuses," or alternative ways of resolving the fifth psychosocial crisis of life. Since that time, researchers and theorists working in the area of identity development in adolescence and adulthood have struggled to extend and expand on the basic concepts of the Marcia model. Particularly challenging have been attempts to extend the notion of identity into adulthood. Early research on this topic built on the identity status construct as applied to college students, building it into an examination of the alternate paths taken by adults as they begin to navigate the years of adulthood.

Further extension beyond these efforts, however, has met with mixed success and led to alternative suggestions of systematic variations in the use of identity processes by adults rather than of statuses in the adult years. Nevertheless, the notion of identity statuses or styles may yet be proven to be useful in understanding adult development and aging if these can be defined in terms of processes. This article represents an attempt at such an approach.

IDENTITY PROCESS THEORY

PREVIOUS RESEARCH ON IDENTITY PROCESSES

This investigation

Significant Differences Among Identity Style Groupings for Women

THE SEARCH FOR IDENTITY ASSIMILATION: A TALE OF TWO SEXES

CONCLUSIONS: REFLECTIONS ON STYLES AND PROCESSES

Overview

The document addresses challenges in understanding and measuring identity development in adulthood. It presents a theoretical model that incorporates identity assimilation, accommodation, and balance, while examining the interplay between identity and adulthood experiences.

Key Points

1Identity processes are critical in understanding adult development
2The concept of identity balance integrates aspects of assimilation and accommodation
3Measurement of identity in adulthood is challenging due to its complex nature
4Previous models focused primarily on adolescence may not apply directly to adults
5The study suggests that identity styles evolve and can influence responses to aging experiences.

Details

Authors: Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Joel R. Sneed, Karyn M. Skultety
Category: Psychology

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