Erik Erikson describes the eight-stage process of ego development as a sequence of psychosocial crises. In adolescence, the main task of development becomes conflict resolution, which Erickson called «identity versus role diffusion.» In the process of its resolution, an identity crisis may arise.
Identity formation is the process of transforming all previous identities in the light of the expected future. Although the development of identity reaches a critical point, at which a crisis is possible, only during adolescence, it begins in infancy. In highly structured societies with mandatory rituals of transition to adulthood or rigidly defined roles for adolescents, identity crises are less pronounced than in democratic societies.
Trying to avoid an identity crisis, some young men and women are too hasty with self-determination, resign themselves to the consciousness of predestination and therefore are not able to reveal their full potential; others prolong this crisis and a state of vague identity indefinitely, wasting their energy in protracted developmental conflict and doubts about self-determination. Sometimes diffuse identity finds expression in «negative identity», in which the individual assumes a dangerous or socially undesirable role. Fortunately, without any major crisis, most develop one of several possible positive selves.
A severe identity crisis can be prevented in a number of ways:
- Parents and significant adults should avoid making excessive demands on their children or setting too vague goals for them.
Adults:
- children should be encouraged to pursue their own interests by praising achievements;
- support them when they face difficulties;
- help to reveal and develop their Potential;
- accustom to responsibility, allowing you to experience the consequences of your actions, unless, of course, they are too dangerous;
- respect them as individuals and not humiliate them when they fail to live up to adult expectations; and, finally, encourage them to grow in responsiveness, which leads to the development of an identity that makes it easy to adapt to society.
In addition, adolescents need to be provided with a wide range of positive lifestyle options or functional role models – with the opportunity to experience multiple acceptable roles, get to know themselves better, and learn about the real chances and options provided by the culture in which they develop.
Mishandling an identity crisis has been found to correlate with a wide range of problems, from difficulties in psychological growth to pathology. Strong identity diffusion is associated with inability to make decisions, confusion in problems, loss of individuality in public, difficulty establishing satisfying relationships with a tendency to isolate, difficulty in work, and low ability to focus. Since identity is not without reason considered one of the main elements in the development of the ego and its strength, the unsatisfactory resolution of the identity crisis makes the individual less able to cope with the urgent tasks of adjustment.
Although the deepest identity crisis occurs most often in adolescence, people can experience it at any age. Erickson originally used the term «identity crisis» to refer to the experiences of World War II veterans. Later, he observed similar identity confusion in young people who lost their bearings in life, and came to the conclusion that an identity crisis is part of normal adolescence. In addition, Erickson’s own experience as an immigrant led him to suggest that even if a person managed to resolve a youthful identity crisis, subsequent dramatic life changes could cause a repeat of the crisis. In addition to immigrants, many other categories of people can experience an identity crisis:
- retired military men who previously occupied the position of universal favorites and had the appropriate status;
- retired civilians whose identity was built almost entirely on their jobs;
- some people living in the state. allowance and therefore consider themselves a “blank spot” due to the tendency in our society to define identity through a profession;
- mothers whose children have grown up and left the parental home (empty nest syndrome);
- people who are faced with the need to change their plans for the future due to an unexpected disability, etc.
A number of other studies are devoted to the crisis experienced by the dying. A person’s sense of identity in this state is threatened by numerous losses: business ties, family, friends, bodily functions and consciousness.