Identity Uncertainty

Although a technical term in information science, in the study of human beings identity uncertainty means a lack of consistency, clarity, or both, in an individual's answer to the question “Who am I?” Individuals, in their intrapersonal communication (communication with oneself) or cognitive processes, seek reliability in the answer to such a pervasive and significant question. When an individual cannot answer the questions “Who am I?” and “To which group do I belong?” with consistency, clarity, and stability, identity uncertainty develops. In general, humans are ...