A developmental social psychology of identity: understanding the person-in-context

Abstract

This essay focuses on the socialization of identity formation. It provides a theory about the developmental social psychology of identity. A set of propositions are derived from the authors'reading, research, cultural observations and clinical experience regarding adolescent identity formation. The essay covers the socialization process, nature of the self, processes of growth and development, person-in-context, and a statement on the linkage between macro- and micro-environmental influences on identity. The theoretical propositions are offered for their potential heuristic utility in the study of identity formation during adolescence and young adulthood.