Identity in adolescence: issues of theory, structure and transition

Current thinking about the process of identity formation has focused on three central issues: theory, structure and transition. Each issue is examined in this article. The discussion of theoretical issues focuses on the various identity models and criticism of the identity status paradigm. The struc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of adolescence (London, England.) England.), 1994-02, Vol.17 (1), p.17-28
Main Author: Lavoie, Joseph C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Development
Adolescents
Biological and medical sciences
Child psychology
Developmental psychology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Identity Formation
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Self image
Social research
Teenagers
Theories
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Summary:Current thinking about the process of identity formation has focused on three central issues: theory, structure and transition. Each issue is examined in this article. The discussion of theoretical issues focuses on the various identity models and criticism of the identity status paradigm. The structural issue concerns whether identity is a structure, and if so what are the structural components. Transformative learning is advanced as an explanatory mechanism for structural change in identity. Mechanisms involved in the transition between statuses include such processes as equilibration, individuation, a readiness for change, and conflict. One of the major conclusions is that for identity research to advance both structure and transition must be addressed. It is also necessary to identify the processes associated with intrapsychic restructuring and re-alignment of self-other.
ISSN:0140-1971
1095-9254
DOI:10.1006/jado.1994.1003