Short-term fluctuations in identity: introducing a micro-level approach to identity formation.
The present study was aimed at examining one relatively neglected part of the identity formation process: the short-term dynamics of identity formation. The short-term dynamics were assessed by examining (a) the day-to-day course of 2 key dimensions of identity formation (i.e., commitment and reconsideration) and (b) the impact of fluctuations in commitment and reconsideration on subsequent levels of these 2 dimensions. Longitudinal data on 580 early adolescents (54.8% boys, 45.2% girls) were used to test these assertions. The authors found evidence for a commitment-reconsideration dynamic that operated on a day-to-day basis. Furthermore, the findings confirmed E. H. Erikson's (1950) assertion that identity reflects a sense of sameness and continuity as a more stable identity (reflected by little day-to-day fluctuations) was predictive of higher levels of commitment and lower levels of reconsideration. Taken together, the present study underscores the importance of the short-term dynamics of identity formation.
Klimstra
Theo A
TA
Research Centre Adolescent Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands. t.a.klimstra@uu.nl
Luyckx
Koen
K
Hale
William A
WA
Frijns
Tom
T
van Lier
Pol A C
PA
Meeus
Wim H J
WH
D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000592:standards; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D013997:Time Factors