- Alan Waterman proposes three elements of identity formation:
- The source of identity elements (e.g, where you get your ideas, values, or goals).
- Genetics, experiences, feedback, modeled behavior, and suggestions.
- How we evaluate what we should commit to our identity.
- Exploring the positive and negative aspects of each identity element.
- Auditioning each element to see what fits best.
- Per Erikson, Erik, we are more free to do this in adolescence.
- How we determine whether our identity formation is “done”.
- Identity crisis might be rational, with deliberate consideration of factors.
- Or it could be intuitive, determining what “feels right”.
- The best decisions are made with both.