Identity Development: Adolescence Through Adulthood

"This is the one book that I recommend as authoritative on life-span identity development. Written in a lively style with examples both numerous and apt, it helps practitioners and social planners to become current with research findings, and it provides researchers with both the necessary background and intriguing new ideas to advance their work. University instructors will find it invaluable as a text for a seminar in identity development as well as a highly useful supplement for courses in life-span development (adolescence through late adulthood) and personality theory. Kroger has written that rare book that is highly informative, useful, and a pleasure to read." -- James E. Marcia, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia This volume highlights identity development from early adolescence through late adulthood and provides a valuable resource for university students as well as human services professionals. This Second Edition of Identity Development: Adolescence Through Adulthood presents an overview of the five general theoretical orientations to the question of what constitutes identity, as well as the strengths and limitations of each approach. The volume then describes key biological, psychological, and contextual issues during each phase of adolescence and adulthood. Following these major adolescence and adulthood sections, selected issues that may pose identity challenges for some are presented. New to the Second Edition: A thorough updating of key theories, researches, and demographic information on the course and contents of identity development from adolescence through adulthood An international focus in the selection of research used to examine key issues A discussion of measurement techniques used within various theoretical orientations to investigate issues of identity A contemporary critical analysis of current identity research within an Eriksonian framework

Table of Contents:
Preface PART I. INTRODUCTION Perspectives on Identity Origins of Identity: Erik Erikson Contemporary Approaches to Identity: An Overview Key Similarities and Differences Across Identity Models Back to the Beginning PART II. ADOLESCENCE Identity in Early Adolescence Intersection of Biological, Psychological, and Societal Influences on Identity in Early Adolescence: An Overview Coming to Terms With Pubertal Change: Identity Implications Timing of Pubertal Change: Identity Implications Identity and Sexuality Contexts Affecting Early Adolescent Identity Development Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions Identity in Mid-Adolescence Intersection of Biological, Psychological, and Societal Influences on Identity in Mid-Adolescence: An Overview Identity and Sexuality Identity and Vocation Identity and Meaningful Values Contexts Affecting Mid-Adolescent Identity Development Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions Identity in Late Adolescence Intersection of Biological, Psychological, and Societal Influences on Identity in Late Adolescence: An Overview The Second Separation-Individuation Process and Identity Formation The Beginnings of Intimacy Actualizing Vocational Directions Identity, Meaningful Values, and Personality Contexts Affecting Late Adolescent Identity Development Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions Selected Identity Issues of Adolescence Identity and Adoption Identity and Unemployment Identity and Ethnicity Identity and Residential Relocation Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions PART III. ADULTHOOD Identity in Early Adulthood Intersection of Biological, Psychological, and Societal Influences on Identity in Early Adulthood: An Overview The Course of Identity in Early Adulthood The Contents of Identity in Early Adulthood Identity and Intimacy in Early Adulthood Identity and Generativity in Early Adulthood Contexts Affecting Early Adult Identity Development Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions Identity in Middle Adulthood Intersection of Biological, Psychological, and Societal Influences on Identity in Middle Adulthood: An Overview The Course of Identity in Middle Adulthood The Contents of Identity in Middle Adulthood Identity and Generativity in Middle Adulthood Contexts Affecting Identity Development During Middle Adulthood Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions Identity in Late Adulthood Intersection of Biological, Psychological, and Societal Influences on Identity in Late Adulthood: An Overview The Course of Identity in Late Adulthood The Contents of Identity in Late Adulthood Identity and Integrity in Late Adulthood Contexts Affecting Identity in Late Adulthood Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions Selected Identity Issues of Adulthood Identity and Loss of an Intimate Relationship Identity and Infertility Identity and Threats to Physical Integrity Identity and Coming to Terms With Death Back to the Beginning Answers to Chapter Questions PART IV. EPILOGUE References Author Index Subject Index About the Author

About the Author :
Jane Kroger is Professor of Psychology, University of Tromsø, in Tromsø, Norway. She holds a Ph.D. in Child Development. Her research interests are the study of identity in adolescent and adult development. She has published numerous theoretical and research articles on issues of identity and is author of Identity in Adolescence: The Balance between Self and Other, 3rd edition and editor of Discussions on Ego Identity. She has been a visiting scholar at the Erik H. and Joan M. Erikson Center at Harvard University and also at the Henry A. Murray Center for the Study of Lives. She is currently president of the Society for Research on Identity Formation.

Review :
"This Second Edition of Jane Kroger’s Identity Development: Adolescence through Adulthood is a jewel in the publications pertaining to identity. In one book five theoretical/empirical frameworks of identity are skillfully intertwined with Erikson’s seminal work pertaining to the ′meaningful, purposeful, directed′ self. The search for one’s identity with its continuities and change over the lifespan are documented with intriguing issues of transition and narrative that affords any reader the recognition of self. For those seeking empirical questions to investigate this book stands on the cutting edge providing essential directions that will greatly expand our understanding of identity development and its refinement. This volume is an essential addition to the library of any scholar or student interested in the field of identity." "This book is the most thorough examination of identity formation across youth and adulthood that has ever been written.Like the great architect of identity, the late Erik H. Erikson, Jane Kroger has written a book on human development and identity that stands as a testimony to the power of the self and identity formation in understanding human beings, their anticipations, goals and aspirations, and the nature of meaningfulness to life. Through a summary of research, narratives and discourses on identity formation, Kroger has painted a fascinating and informative portrait of the landscape of identity formation across the life-span." "This is the one book that I recommend as authoritative on life-span identity development. Written in a lively style with examples both numerous and apt, it helps practitioners and social planners to become current with research findings, and it provides researchers with both the necessary background and intriguing new ideas to advance their work. University instructors will find it invaluable as a text for a seminar in identity development as well as a highly useful supplement for courses in life-span development (adolescence through late adulthood) and personality theory.  Kroger has written that rare book that is highly informative, useful, and a pleasure to read." "Jane Kroger′s Identity Development: Adolescence through Adulthood , Second Edition, provides a concise and engaging summary of the rapidly-expanding theory and research on identity development. The volume is solidly grounded in Erikson′s work, yet expands to include psychological, sociological, historical, and cultural perspectives. The book is written in a very accessible way - useful to those seeking an introduction to the field as well as to established researchers who want to look beyond the boundaries of their own work. The text is richly illustrated by quotes from a wide range of adolescents and adults going about their daily lives. Especially valuable are Kroger′s treatment of a number of special identity challenges faced by sub-groups and her focus throughout the book on the many ways in relationships are thoroughly interwoven with the process of identity development."