Process of identity development and psychological functioning: A critical narrative review for the Indian context

D Rajagopalreddy, Kelamparampil Varghese
 Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Correspondence Address:
D Rajagopalreddy,
Don Bosco Navajeevan Rehabilitation Centre, Pragathi Nagar, Ramanthapur, Medchal, Hyderabad - 500 013, Telangana
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

DOI: 10.4103/ijsp.ijsp_202_20

Background: Identity is a crucial milestone achievement for adolescents to become contributing adult members in society. This narrative research focused on exploring the link between identity development and psychological functioning and understanding the process of Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development and psychological functioning. Often, the Indian identity researchers use the theories of identity development conceptualized by Erikson, James Marcia and Michael Berzonsky which have been primarily conceptualized to understand the process of individual's identity development in the western individualistic cultural context. These theorists based their theories on certain essential contextual conditions, for the individuals' identity development. This review article critically explored the availability and applicability of those contextual conditions for Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development. Methods: The articles for the review were mainly collected from the online databases such as PROQUEST Research Library, Taylor and Francis, the archives of the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, the archives of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, EBSCO, and Google. A narrative review method was used to examine various elements of the process of identity development conceptualized by the mainstream identity development theorists Erikson, James Marcia, and Michael Berzonsky and their applicability to the process of Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development. Results: The review found that the processes of mainstream identity development theories have some serious limitations in their applicability to the Indian context. Conclusions: This article identified alternative identity development processes and interventions that could be used to enhance Indian adolescents' and adults' identity development.

Keywords: Ethnic identity, identity development, identity interventions, psychological functioning