Identity diffusion and psycho-social defense mechanisms

This paper attempts to delineate behaviors that can function as "psycho-social" defense mechanisms to ward off temporarily the anxiety and uncertainty of identity diffusion. Four categories are outlined: I. Escapes from identity uncertainty (e.g., immersion in intense immediate experiences); II. Adopting temporary substitute identities (e.g., purchasing items with "ready-made personas"); III. Acting to strengthen temporarily a weak identity (e.g., through risk-taking); IV. Striving to make an identity out of the meaninglessness of identity diffusion itself (e.g., through pointless fads). It is then suggested that one reason for youthful drug abuse is that drugs are so well-suited for providing most of these temporary defenses.