Identity Formation and Ideological Commitment as Narratively Constructed
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Authors
Carolan, Kistine A.
Issue Date
2003
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Nine individuals were interviewed in this study concerning their commitment to either
religious activity or ecological activity. The research sought to integrate the ideas of
Erikson and McAdams with regards to identity formation. In this synthesis, identity was
viewed as a psychosocial developmental process that is made coherent through narrative
construction. It was hypothesized that ideological commitments to either religious or
ecological activity would be integrated into one's identity both developmentally and
narratively in similar fashions between the two groups, despite ideological differences.
Narrative elements, such as an ideological setting, nuclear episodes, generativity scripts,
and thematic lines were investigated. Interviews were analyzed for their salience of
themes regarding these issues. In general, it was found that individuals had previous
experience with either ideology in childhood. Adolescence most often proved the period
in which individuals sought out commitment to the ideology without influence of outside
sources (i.e. parents). Commitment became most involved in the college setting through
organizations and other community settings. Individuals from both groups demonstrated
examples of nuclear episodes and thematic lines of power and intimacy. Possible ways in
which future generativity scripts might be formulated were discussed. Common themes
between the groups were isolated and discussed and included 1.) Direction and
Intentionality, 2.) Perspective, 3.) Purpose/Meaning, 4.) Community/Relationships.
Description
ii, 61 p.
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