Identity · 2012 · 211 citations · 71 references
EducationSocial PsychologyIdentity DevelopmentNarrative StudiesNarrative TheoryAutobiographical NarrativeIdentity CommitmentIdentity ExplorationIdentity Status DevelopmentNarrative IdentityPersonal IdentityIdentityIdentity Commitment DevelopmentIdentity Exploration Processes
Identity development research has largely split between status‑based exploration and narrative reconstruction, leaving the two approaches underintegrated despite their complementary strengths. The article aims to integrate status‑based and narrative identity theories by proposing two claims about how narrative facilitates exploration and reflects commitments. The authors review existing literature and propose a framework that links narrative processes to identity exploration and commitment. They argue that narrative enables identity exploration and that narrative processing of commitments enhances consistency between commitments and behaviors.
Abstract Erikson's seminal work on identity development focused on the question, Who Am I? Despite theoretical overlap between identity theorists, current research has primarily taken different paths. Those focused on identity statuses have primarily assessed current conceptions of exploration that presumably lead to future commitments. In contrast, narrative identity theorists have primarily focused on reconstructions of past events. Thus, current researchers are not taking advantage of the strengths of these two approaches. This article reviews research and examines ways in which the approaches might be integrated with two claims. The authors propose, first, that narrative is the means by which identity exploration can be carried out, and second, that narrative processing reflects commitments and can promote greater consistency between those commitments and behaviors.
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