Using One Of The Identity Development Models Discussed

Using One Of The Identity Development Models Discussed In Class Yo

Using one of the identity development models discussed in class, you will write an essay mapping out your journey of personal identity development. You will include concrete examples from your life that exemplify the various stages of development. You will recognize your current stage of development and be able to explain why you are currently in that stage.

Identity development models were developed by psychologists long before you were born. Critique the model that you used to map out your journey. Were you able to recognize yourself in the model? Is it outdated? How? What about the model is flawed? How would you adapt the model to match your own understanding of your development as a young adult, your racial identity development, or your identity development as an LGBTQ person?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The exploration of personal identity development is a fundamental aspect of understanding oneself within the broader social and cultural context. Theories and models proposed by psychologists over the decades have served as valuable frameworks for mapping this complex journey. This essay employs Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory to narrate my personal journey, critique the model’s applicability, and suggest potential adaptations to better accommodate contemporary understandings of identity, especially considering aspects such as racial identity and LGBTQ experiences.

My Personal Journey Through Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

Erikson’s model delineates eight stages of psychosocial development, each characterized by a central conflict that shapes a person's identity and personality. I find that my personal development aligns closely with the stages of 'Identity vs. Role Confusion' and 'Intimacy vs. Isolation,' pertinent to young adulthood.

During my adolescence, I experienced the 'Identity vs. Role Confusion' stage, which Erikson posits occurs roughly between ages 12 to 18. This stage involved exploring different roles, values, and beliefs. For instance, I participated in diverse extracurricular activities, from athletic teams to cultural clubs, trying to discover which aspects of my identity resonated most profoundly. These explorations eventually fostered a sense of self-awareness and confidence in my cultural background and personal interests, which I now see as foundational to my current identity.

In early adulthood, I transitioned into the 'Intimacy vs. Isolation' stage, where forming meaningful relationships became central. I developed close friendships and romantic relationships that helped reinforce my understanding of intimacy and trust. These experiences illuminated my capacity for vulnerability and deepened my self-knowledge.

Today, I recognize that I am in a stage of consolidating my identity while seeking deeper connections, which aligns with Erikson’s stages, but also suggests overlapping or evolving phases typical of contemporary developmental models.

Critique of Erikson’s Model in Context of My Identity Development

While Erikson’s model provided a helpful scaffold for understanding my development, it also exhibits limitations, especially in its generality and cultural neutrality. The stages are somewhat rigid, implying a linear progression, which does not reflect the non-linear, often overlapping, nature of real-life identity development.

First, I found that my identity did not develop exclusively within one stage; rather, I experienced aspects of multiple stages simultaneously. For example, my racial identity development, which intensified during college, overlapped with ongoing exploration of personal and social identities. Erikson’s stage boundaries tend to overlook the fluidity and complexity of such experiences.

Second, the model was developed within a predominantly Western cultural framework, assuming a relatively linear progression of psychosocial conflicts. As a person from a multicultural background, I perceive that my racial and cultural identity processes do not fit neatly within these stages. In fact, my racial identity development involved periods of questioning, affirmation, and activism that extended beyond the early stages, contradicting the notion that early exploration suffices.

Third, Erikson’s model lacks explicit reference to LGBTQ+ experiences. For LGBTQ individuals, identity development can involve unique challenges, such as coming out and confronting societal stigma. Such experiences often necessitate additional stages or processes not accounted for in Erikson’s framework. For instance, my own journey of embracing my sexual orientation involved a prolonged period of self-inquiry and societal conflict, which did not align entirely with the prescribed stages.

Adapting Erikson’s Model for Contemporary Identity Development

To make Erikson’s model more inclusive and reflective of modern identity development, several adaptations are necessary. First, acknowledging that identity development is non-linear is crucial. Individuals often revisit earlier stages or experience multiple stages concurrently. Incorporating a cyclical or overlapping phase structure could better capture this reality.

Second, explicitly integrating cultural, racial, and sexual identity dimensions is essential. For example, adding specific stages or processes for racial identity consolidation and LGBTQ+ identity affirmation can make the model more comprehensive. Cross-cultural validation of the stages, considering different societal contexts, enhances its relevance globally.

Third, adopting a lifespan perspective that recognizes ongoing development beyond young adulthood fosters acknowledgment that identity is fluid throughout life. Modern research suggests that identity development is continuous, influenced by life experiences, societal changes, and personal growth (McAdams & McLean, 2013).

Finally, incorporating insights from intersectionality—examining how overlapping identities influence development—would make the model more applicable to diverse populations. Intersectionality highlights that race, gender, sexual orientation, and other social categories do not develop in isolation but influence each other dynamically.

Conclusion

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory provided a valuable framework for mapping my personal identity journey, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood. However, its limitations—particularly regarding its rigidity, cultural neutrality, and lack of explicit consideration for LGBTQ+ and racial identity processes—highlight the need for adaptations. A contemporary model that recognizes the fluidity, intersectionality, and lifelong nature of identity development would better serve diverse populations. Such an approach encourages a more nuanced understanding of personal growth, affirming that identity is a complex, ongoing process shaped by myriad social and individual factors.

References

• Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
• McAdams, D. P., & McLean, K. C. (2013). Narrative Identity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(3), 233–238.
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• Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2012). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons.
• Cross Jr, W. E. (1991). Shades of Black: Diversity in African American Identity. Temple University Press.
• Cass, V. C. (1979). Homosexuality identity formation: A theoretical model. Journal of Homosexuality, 4(3), 105–123.
• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299.
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