Identity development is an integral part of human development. It is the process through which individuals develop a sense of self-awareness. They understand themselves within their cultural and social context. Identity development has been viewed as a primary development stage in adolescents, but recent studies indicate that identity development continues into adulthood. Significant cognitive reorganization occurs during adolescence, which enables young people to gain social and psychological maturity.
Identity development through adulthood is characterized by identity certainty, greater self-knowledge, and stability of commitments. Also, identity achievement becomes an integral part of adult development (Marcia, 2002). Individual characteristics have a significant impact on identity development. For instance, self-esteem and openness to experience tend to promote identity development. This means that the personality of an individual significantly influences identity development in adulthood. The personality of an individual is explained by individuation. The need to be unique from others is viewed as an essential social value in contemporary society. Individuation, therefore, helps to foster the distinctiveness of individuals and personal identity. People acquire specific characteristics which help to define them. This can explain why most people tend to protect their reputation in adulthood since it’s through their status that other people recognize them.
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Cultural factors can influence individuation. For instance, an individualistic culture promotes self-expression and individuality. This culture, therefore, has a significant positive impact on individuation and unique identity development. On the other hand, collectivistic culture individuation is less prevalent because the cultural values demand collective responsibility (Boucher, & Maslach, 2009). Individuals are expected to view others as equals and fit in with them for group tasks. Most people in a collectivistic culture are less likely to display unique traits such as in the choice of a hobby. In an individualistic culture, however, such individual choices are acceptable and encouraged. Individuation is therefore influenced by social appropriateness depending on what some consider being appropriate or not.
References
Boucher, H. C., & Maslach, C. (2009). Culture and individuation: The role of norms and self-construals. The Journal of Social Psychology, 149(6), 677-693.
Marcia, J. E. (2002). Identity and psychosocial development in adulthood. Identity: An international journal of theory and research, 2(1), 7-28.
