Dual family theme
This might be easier and associated with less conflict when there is a clear priority, as one domain is more central and thus prioritized over the others (Gyberg et al., 2019), and there are empirical evidence of domain centrality playing a positive role in the development of personal identity (Berzonsky et al., 2003). In adulthood, the most central content domains are occupation, partnership, and parenthood, and finding a way to integrate them into a coherent self is thought to be a crucial task of adulthood (Kroger, 2015). Though the centrality of different identity domains is individual, it is also dependent on what is important for the particular age group (Marcia et al., 1993). The relative value of each domain is related to the time and energy invested in it (Thoits, 1992). The enduring relative importance an individual ascribes to a particular identity domain is called identity domain centrality (Stryker & Serpe, 1994). Individuals are likely to place different value and importance on the different domains of which their identity is made up (Meca et al., 2015).
The question is then what happens when two equally central domains are to be integrated into a coherent self?Ĭentrality of identity domains in adulthood Thus, while there seems to be positive aspects of identification across multiple social domains or groups in general, the content of these identities are seldom explored and less is known about how multiple, equally important identities intersect. Social identity complexity, that is, the perceived overlap of among social groups with which a person identifies (Roccas & Brewer, 2002), has been associated with greater self-esteem (Rowley et al., 1998) and positive intergroup attitudes (Knifsend & Juvonen, 2014). However, some extant findings point to positive aspects of combining multiple social identities, in terms of adjustment (Kiang et al., 2008). Studying multiple identities simultaneously and how they intersect is unfortunately seldom done (Galliher et al., 2017 Kiang et al., 2008 Rowley et al., 1998). Studying multiple content domains simultaneously, and the interactions between them, makes it possible to get a complete picture of a person’s identity (Galliher et al., 2017). However, studying content domains separately is not enough, as these are not isolated parts, but will affect each other. Exploring the “what” involves examining the values, goals, and beliefs, as well as the thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences that people have in relation to the different identity domains (McLean & Syed, 2015). While process refers to how an identity is developed, the content of identity refers to what is developing (Galliher et al., 2017). These domains constitutes the content of an identity.
That is, while identity is often referred to as a single overall concept, in practice identity is thought to consist of various life domains (Fadjukoff et al., 2016). Developing an identity includes forming a coherent sense of self across time, place, and situations, and integrating all parts of an identity (Syed & McLean, 2016). Though identity development is a key task during adolescence, it continues throughout life (Erikson, 1968).