An integrated developmental model for studying identity content in context.

Reneé V. Galliher · Kate C. McLean · Moin Syed

276 citations0/0 files storedDevelopmental Psychology

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Identity, Memory, and Therapy Social and Intergroup Psychology Racial and Ethnic Identity Research

Abstract

Historically, identity researchers have placed greater emphasis on processes of identity development (how people develop their identities) and less on the content of identity (what the identity is). The relative neglect of identity content may reflect the lack of a comprehensive framework to guide research. In this article, we provide such a comprehensive framework for the study of the content of identity, including 4 levels of analysis. At the broadest level, we situate individual identity within historical, cultural, and political contexts, elaborating on identity development within the context of shifting cultural norms, values, and attitudes. Histories of prejudice and discrimination are relevant in shaping intersections among historically marginalized identities. Second, we examine social roles as unique and central contexts for identity development, such that relationship labels become integrated into a larger identity constellation. Third, domains of individual or personal identity content intersect to yield a sense of self in which various aspects are subjectively experienced as an integrated whole. We explore the negotiation of culturally marginalized and dominant identity labels, as well as idiosyncratic aspects of identities based on unique characteristics or group memberships. Finally, we argue that the content of identity is enacted at the level of everyday interactions, the "micro-level" of identity. The concepts of identity conflict, coherence, and compartmentalization are presented as strategies used to navigate identity content across these 4 levels. This framework serves as an organizing tool for the current literature, as well as for designing future studies on the identity development. (PsycINFO Database Record

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References

1991Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color 1981The Ecology of Human Development 1966Development and validation of ego-identity status.2010Most people are not WEIRD 2001The Psychology of Life Stories 2009Intersectionality and research in psychology.2008When Black + Lesbian + Woman ≠ Black Lesbian Woman: The Methodological Challenges of Qualitative and Quantitative Intersectionality Research 2008Intersectional Invisibility: The Distinctive Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiple Subordinate-Group Identities

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2021Adolescent identity development in context 2018Acknowledging the Whiteness of Motivation Research: Seeking Cultural Relevance 2020The Cambridge Handbook of Personality Psychology 2021Master narrative methodology: A primer for conducting structural-psychological research.2018Who Am I, Who Are We? Erikson and a Transactional Approach to Identity Research 2018

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