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Identity Diffusion

  • In: Encyclopedia of Identity
  • Edited by: Ronald L. Jackson II & Michael A. Hogg
  • Subject:Self & Identity, Identity, Self & Identity

Identity diffusion, in general, refers to a sense of self that is not fully developed or well defined. It is best viewed from a developmental perspective, using adolescence as the organizing frame of reference. Adolescence is emphasized for two reasons: (1) More than any other period of development, adolescence modifies social relationships and meanings for the adolescent and his or her family, and (2) it is commonly agreed that identity cannot develop fully before adolescence. Identity diffusions may be ...

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