Conference Agenda

Much has been written about identity development and its significance for self-navigation, mental health and wellbeing. Most of this work is rooted in the writings by Erik Erikson and focuses on the development of one integrated identity through a potentially recursive but linear process of exploration and commitment. However, in Eriksons writings, identity synthesis results from the interplay between three types of identity. Their complex dynamic may be more accurately captured in the framework of the Dialogical Self than through a linear process of exploration and commitment.

Erikson distinguished between group identifications comparable to social identities, a personal identity, and something referred to as ego-identity. Ego identity goes beyond identification with groups or personal values in that it involves understanding of, and identification with, the self-as-agent. Fostering resilience of the self-as-agent is of particular importance in the long run because of its effect on the experience of intimacy, generativity and ego integrity.

Conceptualizing identity development from the framework of Hermans’ Dialogical Self Theory furthers present understanding of the writings by Erikson in two ways. First, the framework of a dynamic society of selves provides room for dialogue among a chorus of external I-positions or social identifications, as well as the emergence of a personal identity as a promotor position all simultaneously. This leads to important nuances in the conceptualisation of what develops when and how. Second, understanding the self-as-agent as a society of I-positions helps to elaborate on a vital aspect of identity development that in the Eriksonian tradition is mainly addressed by example. Considering the ego as a dynamic society of I-positions allows for both the exploration and integration of an effective and resilient ego-identity.

I will discuss how voices from the Eriksonian tradition and Hermans’ Dialogical Self Theory will add to a complementary understanding of identity development.