Who am I? The experience of subjective identity

Marcia (1966, 1993) translated Erikson’s (1950, 1968, 1982) writings on identity into a status classification model. He determined that the elements of exploration and commitment were representative of the core processes at play in establishing an identity in adolescence. Based on these two processes Marcia proposed a four quadrant framework for operationalising identity, which included the classifications of identity Achieved, Foreclosed, Diffused and Moratorium, and applied these classifications to occupational and ideological dimensions of life. Since the development of this model, a plethora of research has resulted, both expanding and refining its focus. That research has reviewed the cognitive processes at play within Marcia’s model, mechanisms that elucidate how exploration occurs, and subclassifications within the identity status categories as some pertinent examples. Absent in this research however, is reference to identity as a subjective experience, or identity as the way one experiences oneself. The current investigation sought to link this subjective element of identity to Marcia’s model of identity status classification, and to apply it to various age ranges. It argues that although there should be alignment between the subjective experience of who one is and one’s subsequent occupational, ideological or relational commitments, this is not always the case. The current project built on the research specifically related to Marcia’s (1966, 1993) identity status paradigm. Recruiting 346 participants (246 women, 99 men, one unspecified) aged from 17 to 84 years (mean age of 35 years (SD=17.39) for the women, and 43 years (SD=19.52) for the men), it attempted to define the subjective experience of identity and translate this into a model replicating Marcia’s four original classifications. This thesis argues that although the subjective experience of identity is a very personal experience, there is a ‘generalist phenomenology’ present within it, utilizing the constructs of Neuroticism, Openness to Experience, Sense of Coherence, Congruence, Reflection, Rumination, Self-acceptance, Self-esteem and Selfactualization to express this. These constructs were factor analyzed to determine whether they were linked by one underlying variable, namely the subjective experience of identity. Although the finding revealed was not quite as expected, it supported the development of a four quadrant model. Scores on these nine constructs were subsequently clustered into four groups, largely recognizable as the identity statuses. Where there were deviations from expectations, reasons as to why are proposed, as are recommendations for future research. The current investigation also argued that the experience of subjective identity develops in positive ways over the life course, because life offers up trials andchallenges that force growth, stronger character, and a greater appreciation for the resulting sense of self (e.g., Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). Although findings revealed significantly fewer participants in an Older Adult (aged from 45 to 84 years) Diffused category compared to a Late Adolescent (aged from 17 to 24 years) Diffused category, the finding with respect to the Achieved category was not significant. The pattern of findings was, however, generally consistent with expectations, with scores on the positive sense of self variables mainly increasing with age, whilst scores on the negative sense of self variables tended to decrease with age. The present research also compared the spread of participants across the four subjective identity clusters with the spread of participants across a traditional identity model. Differences were revealed, adding weight to the view that these elements of identity are distinct. Finally, building on limited research, specifically in the area of the identity status categories and both meaning and wellbeing, the current investigation sought to explore the links between the two identity status models and both these variables. Findings supported the view that the Achieved and Moratorium classifications in the subjective identity model were more attuned to making meaning out of life experiences, and that the Achieved identity status category of the subjective model also experienced the highest levels of wellbeing. Findings with respect to the traditional identity status model were inconsistent with expectations. Although the current investigation recognizes there are some critical and unconfirmed assumptions present in this research, what has been revealed is viewed as useful and promising for the counselling realm. Clients do often present with an experience of anxiety around who they are, struggling to find ways into acceptance and appreciation of themselves. This ‘who I am’ question can be unrelated to occupational, ideological, relational or sex role questions, although it is still viewed as being critical to address. The current research offers a potential framework for understanding this kind of distress, and provides some insight into the traits and characteristics of the person that may be at play in the experience.