ABSTRACT
Within Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development, by far the most theoretical and empirical attention has been devoted to the Stage V component of identity vs. identity diffusion. In this chapter, three aspects of this construct are examined: (a) form—the descriptive qualities pertaining to the goals, values, and beliefs that are being advanced, (b) function—that which can be accomplished as a result of developing a clearly delineated self-definition, e.g., continuity, coherence, purpose, communality, differentiation, and (c) process—the means by which one’s self-definition is formed, specifically, exploration and commitment. A life-span perspective on identity formation is then briefly etched, followed by a series of hypotheses regarding age-related patterns of identity development pertaining to form, function, and process. A review of the findings of research to date is generally quite supportive of the hypotheses advanced. Lastly, the appropriateness and meaningfulness of the identity construct for life-span development are addressed.
