Dynamics of Identity Development in Adolescence: A Decade in Review

• Published in: Journal of research on adolescence Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 908 - 927
• Main Authors: Branje, Susan, de Moor, Elisabeth L., Spitzer, Jenna, Becht, Andrik I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-12-2021; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: adjustment problems; adolescence; Adolescent; Adolescent development; Adult; Child development; Developmental tasks; Humans; Identity; Identity formation; Life events; Life transitions; Maturation; Narration; Psychology, Adolescent; Review of the Literature; Roles; Self concept; Special Section Issue; within‐person processes; adolescence; within-person processes; adjustment problems; identity
• ISSN: 1050-8392; 1532-7795
• DOI: 10.1111/jora.12678

One of the key developmental tasks in adolescence is to develop a coherent identity. The current review addresses progress in the field of identity research between the years 2010 and 2020. Synthesizing research on the development of identity, we show that identity development during adolescence and early adulthood is characterized by both systematic maturation and substantial stability. This review discusses the role of life events and transitions for identity and the role of micro‐processes and narrative processes as a potential mechanisms of personal identity development change. It provides an overview of the linkages between identity development and developmental outcomes, specifically paying attention to within‐person processes. It additionally discusses how identity development takes place in the context of close relationships.