A DEVELOPMENTAL SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGY OF IDENTITY - UNDERSTANDING THE PERSON-IN-CONTEXT

This essay focuses on the socialization of identity formation. It prov ides a theory about the developmental social psychology of identity. A set of propositions are derived from the authors' reading, research, cultural observations and clinical experience regarding adolescent ide ntity formation. The essay covers the socialization process, nature of the self, processes of growth and development, person-in-context, and a statement on the linkage between macro- and micro-environmental inf luences on identity. The theoretical propositions are offered for thei r potential heuristic utility in the study of identity formation durin g adolescence and young adulthood. (C) 1996 The Association for Profes sionals in Services for Adolescents