Sociolocation: A Proposed Conceptual Element in Lifespan Development

Individual identity as a function of human development significantly intersects with and is necessarily influenced by the social world. To describe this intersection and its effects, the term sociolocation was proposed, initially in the context of adolescent development, and defined as "self-identification and recognition of social integration through relationships." Almost a decade later, it is apparent that the processes of sociolocation may continue and repeat through the rest of the lifespan. The purpose of this, therefore, paper is to present an expanded definitional and conceptual analysis of sociolocation using the techniques described by Chinn, Kramer, and Sitzman. Such an analysis is important across nursing science, practice, and education, since in all three domains the nurse may encounter individuals engaged in sociolocation. Understanding what this process is and when and how it may occur can be helpful in care planning, learning, and research endeavors.