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Identity Development
Adolescence Through Adulthood

Second Edition


July 2006 | 320 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

"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


 
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

"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."

Sally L. Archer
The College of New Jersey

"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."

Gerald Adams
University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada

"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

"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."

Harold D. Grotevant, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota

A useful text for youth and community work students. I use this for discussion with local and international studies of young people and identity.

Ms Gillian Wilde
Youth & Community Studies, Wrexham Glyndwr University
September 28, 2020

This book is an excellent look at identity throughout your life

Mrs Diane Forrester
Community Studies, Truro College
May 6, 2015

Excellent book to recommend to both my pre reg third year students undertaking the child mental health module and post reg school nurses on the SCPNN course.

This book is easy to read and is written in such away that conveys what could be quite a complex topic very clearly.

Tania Morris
School of Health, Northampton University
February 20, 2015

A fascinating synopsis of the underlying reasons behind some of the behaviours of adolescents. I will be reommending this as a supplemental text to my students who are considering matters of behaviour for learning.

Mr David Eversley
Teacher Education, Manchester College of Arts and Technology
June 16, 2014

An essential book for the Graduate Certificate in Adolescent Psychology. Infomative and interesting discussions.

Mrs Alana Enoch
Education Studies and Social Inclusion, Trinity College Carmarthen
October 3, 2012

A sound introduction to the topic of identity, which seeks to illuminate understanding of what identity actually means to individuals themselves and how personal identification can shape and influence people across the life-span.

Ian Dore
Department of Social Work, Brighton University
September 10, 2012
Key features
  • Chapter-opening questions intrigue and orient the reader's attention to major concepts that will be explored within the chapter (with answers to questions provided at the end of each chapter).
  • Interviews and narrative excerpts offer readers a glimpse of how people grapple with and view identity issues.
  • Summary tables provide readers with comparisons between theories and approaches to studying different types of identity issues.
  • Section summaries and implications give readers a chance to review, check, and absorb a section of each chapter's material.
  • Back-to-the-Beginning summaries review the chapter's material and provide reflection upon the concepts and issues addressed.
  • An epilogue provides a critical analysis of current identity research with an Eriksonian perspective.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 2

Chapter 5

Chapter 8


For instructors

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