On the fundamentals of identity

Various new perspectives on identity have been introduced or have increased in popularity over the past two decades. These include identity as dynamic system (Kunnen & Bosma, 2001), a narrative approach to identity (McAdams, 2001), multi-dimensional models of identity formation (Luyckx et al., 2006; Crocetti et al., 2008; Zimmerman et al., 2013), and micro-level perspectives on identity processes (Klimstra et al., 2010, Van der Gaag et al., 2016). This discussion session aims to link these different perspectives on identity, with the goal to illuminate the nature of identity, and the mechanisms of identity development. Our expert panel consisting of Theo Klimstra, Maria Wängqvist, Joseph Schwab and Elli Schachter, will discuss the role of content in both identity exploration and commitment, as well as the role of micro-level dynamics in adolescent identity development.