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A complex dynamic systems perspective on identity and its development: The dynamic systems model of role identity
1Psychological Studies in Education, College of Education, Temple University.
Developmental Psychology
|November 3, 2017
Summary
The Dynamic Systems Model of Role Identity (DSMRI) offers a new framework for understanding identity development. It views identity as a complex dynamic system, integrating personal and social aspects for comprehensive research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Prominent identity models struggle to integrate diverse perspectives (e.g., personal vs. social, conscious vs. unconscious).
- Existing theories lack a cohesive framework for integrative research questions on identity development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a coherent theoretical perspective on the integrative nature of identity and its developmental mechanisms.
- To introduce the Dynamic Systems Model of Role Identity (DSMRI) as a novel framework.
Main Methods:
- Adopting the contextual social role as the primary unit of analysis.
- Conceptualizing role identity as a Complex Dynamic System (CDS) comprising beliefs, goals, self-perceptions, and action possibilities.
- Viewing identity development as emergent, continuous, nonlinear, and contextualized within a multilevel hierarchy.
Main Results:
- The DSMRI integrates personal and social dimensions of identity within a unified system.
- Identity development is characterized as an emergent process influenced by intra- and interpersonal factors.
- The model accommodates multiple roles constituting psychosocial identity as a CDS.
Conclusions:
- The DSMRI provides a robust framework for conceptualizing and investigating identity systems and their development.
- This model facilitates research across various units of analysis, developmental stages, and contexts.
- It supports the use of diverse methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) for studying identity and psychological functioning.
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