Identity is largely concerned with the question: “Who are you?” What does it mean to be who you are?
Identity relates to our basic values that dictate the choices we make (e.g., relationships, career).
Identity can be seen as a person’s sense of self, established by their unique characteristics, affiliations, and social roles. Moreover, identity has continuity, as one feels to be the same person over time despite many changes in their circumstances.
The seeds of identity are planted during a person’s childhood when their caregivers influence them the most.
Yet, as individuals transition from childhood to adolescence, they start questioning who they are and how they fit in society. Hence, adolescents set out to discover their senses of self by experimenting with different roles and behaviors (Erikson, 1956).
Although adults continue to reassess their identities throughout their lives, the changes to their identities are relatively small. Therefore, according to the famous psychologist Erik Erikson, this significant identity development during adolescence is essential for forming a solid self-concept and developing a direction in life (Erikson, 1956).
A solid sense of identity means that you know who you are, what you value, and how you see yourself in society. There are many components of your identity, such as religious, political, and gender, among others, and knowing yourself fully is essential to feel integrated into society.
References:
- Erikson, E. H. (1956). The problem of ego identity. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 4, 56–121.
- Eser Yilmaz, M.S., Ph.D., Identity: Definition, Types, & Examples, Berkeley Well-Being Institute,